“It’s not an option.
It’s
a duty.” — Gov. Tim Pawlenty, at a news conference
after the 2009 legislative session adjourned. He will balance the
state budget through unallotment.
“At the end of the session
(Pawlenty) gave us two choices: Either we do it his way, or he would
do it his way. We decided the state needed a better option that balanced
the budget while protecting nursing homes, schools, hospitals and
property taxpayers. That’s what we passed.” — Rep.
Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, of the vetoed state budget plan
“The DFL appears
to be choosing symbolic debate over tough choices.” — Brian
McClung, spokesperson for Gov. Tim Pawlenty
“I hope you never need
a family member to need long-term care. I’ve worked here for
28 years and in those years I’ve seen
too many cuts, which affect the quality of care. Let’s treat
our elders with respect and dignity they so deserve. Their lives
should not end when they enter long-term care. Why not start cutting
salaries at the top?” — Karen, nursing home worker, in
written comments given to state lawmakers
“They have to pay for
the bills they pass. It was irresponsible. I’m not going to
let it happen.” — Gov. Tim Pawlenty, pointing out that
state lawmakers had approved $34 billion in spending over the next
two years, when the state would only collect $31 billion in revenue
“I don’t know
of any precedent for a governor exercising that kind of unallotment
power. He’s really rewritten the rules
here. This is kind of an imperial governorship.” — Larry
Jacobs, director, University of Minnesota’s Center
for the Study of Politics and Governance.
“I support nursing
home workers. No cuts to nursing homes. They take care of precious
people.” — Marcia, American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) member, in written comments given
to state lawmakers
“Folks, we’re
talking about life and death here. Rise above your political party.
Rise above politics. Do the right thing.” — Rep. Lyndon
Carlson, DFL-Crystal, during a failed attempt to override the governor’s
veto of GAMC
“We’re worried
about all of the programs that service low-income Minnesotans, from
GAMC to Medical Assistance to MinnesotaCare. But we’re also
worried about all of the programs that serve the elderly and the
disabled, low-income families and children.” — Maureen
O’Connell, advocacy director, Legal Services
Advocacy Project of Minneapolis
“Nursing home workers
deserve an increase, not a decrease. I would like to see a representative
follow an aide for one day, taking care of 10-15 elderly residents,
in an eight-hour shift. Bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, laying
down, ambulating. Try this when you have 5-6 call lights on and families
calling for your help. I don’t
think one of you could make it through the day, let alone be happy
and take a cut in pay and be asked to smile and say thank you. Fix
the problem instead of punishing these workers and sliding it under
the rug year after year.” — Sharon, nursing home worker,
in written comments given to state lawmakers
“I’m worried
about the impact (cuts) will have, both on jobs and the services
available.” — Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis.
She is concerned that some rural hospitals and health care facilities
could close
“Take care of
nursing home residents and nursing home employees. You never know
where you or your parents will end up.” — Diane, United
Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) member, in written comments
given to state lawmakers
“Don’t forget
us” — Sign held by a protester at one of the many disability
community state capitol rallies
Quotes from the Star Tribune, St. Cloud Times, Pioneer Press, Minnesota
Public Radio and UFCW ![end of story]()
