“Let’s cut the bull. Let’s start compromising and get this deal done,” said Sertich. “Why do we have to wait for the last weekend? Why do we have to do a silly dance of, ‘I’m going to tell you what I think over and over again? I’ll just restate my position over and over again.’ I’m sick of it.”
I couldn’t agree with Sertich more. Enough grandstanding — it’s time to see some compromise at the legislature. Isn’t coming to a consensus our policymakers’ job? They should be working to build consensus 24/7, not just in a mad scramble during the last few days of the session.
Particularly this year, when there’s so much at stake, we really need both parties to cut the bull and come together on a compromise. The DFL should accept greater cuts, particularly to Health and Human Services, while the GOP should accept tax increases. Maybe between the increased revenues and reduced spending, we can eliminate unhealthy and dishonest budget gimmicks.
I’m sorry, but I disagree. Deeper cuts to HHS? Not acceptable. Proposed cuts to General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) services would mean that chronic asthmatics could go without medically-necessary oxygen tanks. Prosthetic devices would be unavailable to folks. We’re talking about the people on the very lowest level of the income scale- they’re the folks that get cut in these situations. The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) would probably get hacked, too.
I’m all for deal making, and think our legislators should start getting things done. But accepting deeper cuts to programs in the HHS budget is really dangerous.
I agree - They need to lay off the threatened cuts to MinnesotaCare too. There’s plenty of other places that I can think of that could stand to have their budgets temporarily cut to make up for the expected shortfalls without chopping up HHS.
Now, if the GOP in DC wants to play ball on honest health care reform, then maybe we can talk about restructuring, reducing or eliminating certain state health services, but I’m not holding my breath on Republican’t cooperation.
The problem at the Capitol right now is Rep. Lenczewski and the Speaker will not negotiate the tax bill with Sen. Bakk and the senate.
The senate has shown real leadership. I have been listening to and watching the tax conference committees and even when a deal has been worked out Rep. Lenczewski throws a wrench in and doesn’t allow anything to be agreed to.
It’s time for the Speaker to show real leadership and kick Rep. Lenczewski into gear.
Thanks,
Did we end up in this predicament by spending too much money on healthcare? Perhaps on the inefficiencies in the healthcare payment system that encourages waste and exploitation but not on the actual delivery of care. Draconian cuts in spending on healthcare without major reform of the funding system will only exacerbate the problem as others have pointed out here. Cutting healthcare access for the most vulnerable of us might be the quick and dirty solution but it won’t be sustainable. When Pawlenty and the anti tax, small government, free market, pseudo religious ideologues acknowledge how we got into this mess in the first place and willingly sign on to a tax increase then we can discuss what cuts we are willing or able to make in basic human services. If they don’t want to do that, then let them choke on their anti tax pledge.
You people are so unbelievably naive about both economics and government spending. Listen, go to the Capital and find the waste…there is so much of it, its hard to identify now.
I cant wait, by the way, to “choke” on my own anti-tax pledge! I do not need government to fund my existence on this planet. You?
The DFL just tried to ram a spending bill though that allowed the city of St. Paul to forgive…yes….forgive a $30 million dollar loan on the Excel center, in exchange for a new ice arena? They want to lay off cops and firemen left and right (because they know this will hurt citizens the most) yet dont want to be repaid $30 million dollars?
Pawlenty vetoed it, and good for him.
Now, will any of you DFL’ers please make an attempt to justify this DFL bill? Please? Oh, and as a ground rule…stick to the subject…and dont give us that “two wrongs make a right” answer either.
Go
Pawlenty hasn’t vetoed anything yet - Many are still expecting him to roll over and let Craig Leipold have his practice facility - If he has to sign this bill to do it, then he’ll do it. Leipold is one of the largest Republican contributors in the Midwest and if Pawlenty stiffs him, he can expect to get stiffed by Leipold in 2010 and 2012.
Don’t start dancing yet.
FWIW, the concept behind this bill originated from Leipold and his business interests and has tentacles reaching into both parties. So try not to let your hatred of the DFL paint your opinions into a corner.
Jeff,
Let me see if I’ve got this right. You would accept huge cuts to HHS in exchange a budget that uses less gimmicks? I’m sorry, but if the choices are gimmicks with less cuts VS. no gimmicks and more cuts, I’ll take the gimmicks any day.
Legislators, please, pretend we have no interest, delay payments to school districts, do what ever you can to spare the most vulnerable among us.
This is the problem with today’s urban progressives. We need to remember, these cuts are real people, real pain. Please don’t let your wonkish fiscal idealism get in way of standing of standing up for real people.
Hear hear!
Sertich is an impressive politician. Drama background so he is good on a stage. Has a great minnesota hockey name. Next in line, presumably, for Oberstar’s “lifer” seat in DC.
But Sertich is the Majority Leader. He should be able to manage some of the gridlock in St. Paul. He’s been there for 9 years, and one has to ask if he is more part of the solution or part of the problem.
HHS cuts? Sure. But don’t be surprised when your health insurance rates go up to cover it.
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