I don’t often post press releases verbatim, but House Minority Leader Paul Thissen’s statement on this failed legislature session and what it represents is 100 percent spot on.

A COLOSSAL FAILURE OF REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP

Statement from Minority Leader Thissen as 2011 Legislative Session slouches to end

“I have no idea how the Republican Majority can adjourn this session and go home to their constituents. Their only accomplishment – if you can call it that – was to divide Minnesotans with a constitutional amendment that enshrines discrimination into our constitution.

Worse, had the Republican budget gone into effect, they would have laid waste to the things that Minnesotans care most about, squeezed the middle class, and set Minnesota back dramatically.

Simply stated, this session has seen a colossal failure of Republican leadership.  That failure is based on misplaced Republican priorities.

As opposed to asking the richest 2% to take any responsibility in solving our historic budget deficit, the GOP is cutting special education funding for our children.  Because not a penny more can come from the special interests, Minnesotan’s interests – like supporting small business growth – are ignored in the Republican budget.

This Republican majority chose corporate fat cats over Minnesota seniors.

This Republican majority chose the richest 2% and raised property taxes on the 98%.

This Republican majority chose those who have benefitted most from the recovery over disabled Minnesotans.

This Republican majority chose to party loyalty at the price of discrimination.

This Republican majority chose their special interests over Minnesota’s interests every single time this session.

Leadership is about priorities. Over the last 152 days, the Republican Majority has made choices based on misplaced priorities. They have failed the people of Minnesota.