OutFront Minnesota Statement on
Governor Pawlenty's Budget
Governor Pawlenty has released his budget outlining ideas to address a $4.8 billion budget shortfall that increases to over $5.5 billion when inflation is added in. The Governor is suggesting that we provide tax breaks for corporations while we make $2.4 billion dollars in permanent spending cuts. As supporters of equality for GLBT people, we know that our families are hit harder by a weakened economy. Transgender people face discrimination in employment and have a difficult time accessing adequate health care.
Because same-sex couples cannot get married, the lack of access to financial and legal protections make GLBT families more vulnerable in times of economic downturn. The governor's proposed cuts to Health and Human Services will make it more difficult for GLBT people and families top access health care. According to a study by the Rainbow Health Initiative, over 21% of GLBT people do not have health insurance. That number is 3 times higher than the state average.
The state budget is a moral document. We need to continue to ask for our state to provide the infrastructure and support needed to build toward a better tomorrow for all Minnesotans. There will need to be cuts in the budget and revenue increases to meet the economic shortfall. We need to make sure that if all state's families and people are included in solving the problem, there equity and fairness should be the principles guiding those solutions.
Let legislative leaders know your thoughts about solving the budget shortfall for the state of Minnesota:
Let them know your story about how the budget and the recession is affecting your ability to live an inspired life and contribute to making our state a better place for everyone.
Tell them to support the Health Care Securities Act, to provide health insurance to all children in Minnesota.
Governor Tim Pawlenty tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/budgetsuggestions.asp
House Minority Leader Marty Seifert rep.marty.seifert@house.mn
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller sen.larry.pogemiller@senate.mn
Senate Minority Leader David Senjem sen.david.senjem@senate.mn
Senate website about the budget http://budgetforum.senate.mn/
Also contact your individual state lawmakers https://www.outfront.org/takeaction/actiontools/lawmakercontact to tell them what *your* budget priorities are!
We need to come out as GLBT people and supporters of GLBT equality and tell our stories and provide solutions for our elected officials that include GLBT people and our families.
Please also send your thoughts and stories to OutFront Minnesota's Public Policy Director at mmeyer@outfront.org.
For more information about the budget, check out the Council of Nonprofit's Budget Project website at www.mncn.org/bp.