Bakk Responds to Budget Agreement

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Senate DFL Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, released the following statement in response to the announced state budget agreement.

“I’m pleased the administration and Senate Republicans have reached an agreement. Spending in the areas of E-12, higher education, public safety, and broadband are acceptable. The tax bill appears to have the resources to restore state aid to local governments to 2002 levels prior to the Pawlenty-administration cuts.

“I’m deeply disappointed in the Senate Republicans’ fierce objections to funding transportation infrastructure and jobs. Using the state’s rainy-day fund to prop up spending in the next biennium is a significant concern going forward. That type of shift jeopardizes Minnesota’s long-term fiscal health and the state’s AAA bond rating.

“I congratulate the Governor, Majority Leader Gazelka and Speaker Hortman for the long, arduous process they endured to accomplish a budget agreement prior to the constitutional deadline to adjourn.”

Senator Tom Bakk

Senate District 3

Tom Bakk is the Senate DFL Leader and represents District 3, which includes portions of Cook, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis counties in the northeastern part of Minnesota.

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