Minnesota GOP Calls Out Dem's On Budget

Saint Paul, Minnesota
March 2, 2008
By Marty Owings

In response to what the GOP leadership at the Capitol has called a "lack of leadership" on behalf of Democrats, they say the DFL has gone missing. Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R) said that House Democrats "have not put forward one concrete, solid idea for a budget solution." Stressing the fact that Legislators are 40% into the session with "nothing to show for it", Seifert called the situation urgent and serious.

Senate Minority Leader David Senjem (R) stated that "its almost as if we haven't started yet" and added "I can't tell you with any degree of accuracy of anything substantive that's happened so far." Both Senjem and Seifert questioned why Democrats were focusing on "Dog Parks and Body Art" and that their priorities did not line up with average Minnesotans. When asked if the DFL controlled Legislature was procrastinating, Seifert stated "Yes".

When questioned about the fact that the rainy day was being protected by the Governor, Seifert supported that effort, saying that Minnesota needed the fund to help improve its bond ratings and unallotment decisions. Even when pressed on the point, in light of the current economic crisis and a $6 billion state shortfall, Rep. Seifert said it was still important to put money away.

Below are the highlights of the Press conference.