Preparing for a shutdown
So the government is preparing for a government shutdown. This is prudent, but I still hope that a shutdown will be avoided. Nothing new to report on negotiations, however.
It is pretty funny to hear Pawlenty rant about the "DFL special interests" of teachers, Native American tribes, and "social service activists", whoever they are. Most of the Democrats I know of aren't a member of any of these groups. Besides, is it so awful to support education and not throwing tens of thousands of working people off of health care? I think he's grasping at straws here.
posted by MN Politics Guru @ 18:48
3 Comments:
What an insane scenario. IF this goes to a shutdown, there will be plenty of blame. In short, Pawlenty better realize that he is the captain of the ship and it is going to be on HIS watch that this happens.
BTW: Hey Guv! I don't recall seeing Grover Norquist's or David Strom's name on the ballot at my polling place last election as I cast my vote for Governor and Lt. Governor. YOU were elected to lead. Now would be a good time to start.
To the "silent majority" of legislators on both sides of the aisle: if you want this averted, it is time to stand up and be counted--even if it means going cross-wise with your own leadership.
A handful of folks appear to have put their own personal political agendas ahead of the people of Minnesota while most of you have sat silently collecting your per diem. A lot of Minnesotans depend on government more than just having to stop and take a leak at a rest area, visiting a campground, or getting a driver's license. We have a group home for developmentally disabled adults in our neighborhood. Who's watching out for THEM?
All of you were elected on the presumption from your constituents that you had the ability to be a leader. It's time to show them something.
Interesting, isn't it, that legislative staffers are considered "essential state employees?" They'll close state parks, rest areas and license bureaus, but they sure aren't going to let go of their p.r. flaks, spinmeisters and other political appointees.
Legislative employees are different from other state employees because they are not employees of the executive branch. Pawlenty can't tell them they can't work, any more than he can tell the Minnesota Supreme Court to take some time off. Separation of powers and all that.
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