Governor Pawlenty Targets Teachers, Public Safety and Health Care

(Minneapolis, MN) – Today Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced his intent to slash funding from vital state and local services in an attempt to make up for a $2.7 billion budget shortfall. Pawlenty’s cuts directly affect education, public safety and health care – the top areas that Minnesotans are most concerned about maintaining.

According to polling data, Minnesotans are willing to pay fair taxes for safe communities, fix health care and preserve education. So while Pawlenty has attacked services that are critical for Minnesotans, he has protected his wealthy friends.

“This is an outrage,” said Sue Mauren, Teamsters Joint Council 32 President. “Gov. Pawlenty has hurt Minnesotans to further achieve his own personal goals of running for higher office.”

Teamsters Joint Council 32 represents more than 62,000 active and retired members in Minnesota.

“This is going to hurt members, communities and the less fortunate in this state,” Mauren said. “This is not the Minnesotan way.”