True North

Check out Rep. Severson's editorial in the St. Cloud Times. Here's a little glimpse of Rep. Severson's editorial:

Not even the looming prospect of a billion-dollar budget deficit has persuaded members of the Legislature's majority to act fiscally responsible.

Now our bond rating, which affects our ability to let bonds for everything from local sewers to schools, could be compromised. Responsible legislation called for honoring the state's prescribed bonding limit; instead, the House passed a bill that is $100 million more than we can afford. Gorilla cages and other pet projects form a pile of wants atop a bill of needs.

As I noted here, the DFL showed a total disregard for fiscal responsibility. They had the opportunity to act responsibly but they didn't. Here's what tells me that the DFL won't act responsibly in the future:

In light of the state's budget forecast earlier this session, which predicted a $935 million deficit this year, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, acting on the recommendation of the state's economist Tom Stinson, said that he would not sign a bonding bill that was larger than $825 million. Langseth, it was repeated on both floors, would not come down below $925 million in general obligation bonds, even though Hausman and many of her DFLer cohorts were willing to go lower.

Tom Stinson is an economist with impeccable credentials. Gov. Pawlenty asked the legislature to stay within the 3 percent guidelines because that's what Mr. Stinson recommended. Keith Langseth refused to stay within that limit, likely for political reasons. That's why it's time to ask whether Sen. Langseth was instructed by Larry Pogemiller and Tarryl Clark to maintain spending at that high level or if they simply passively permitted Sen. Langseth to dictate the terms of the 'compromise.' Either way, it's an irresponsible abdication of responsibility on their part.

It's becoming painfully obvious that Minesota's short- and long-term prosperity is at risk with the DFL acting this irresponsibly.

Comments welcome at LFR.