Ward and Koering React to Cuts

State Representative John Ward of Brainerd suspects Governor Tim Pawlenty may have planned all along to balance the budget on his own as a means of promoting his national image. Tuesday, the Governor announced big cuts to local government aid, health and human services and other state programs to fix a $2.7 billion revenue shortfall.

Since the end of the session Pawlenty has announced he won't seek reelection, and has been mentioned as possible candidate for President.

Representative Ward tells KLKS News, the Governor did not appear as involved in the legislative process this year as he has been in the past.

Ward says the reaction from local government officials to the Governor's cuts has ranged from little impact to cuts in police and fire and property tax increases.

State Senator Paul Koering of Fort Ripley is considering running for Governor. He tells KLKS News, had he been Governor this past session, he would have worked harder with the DFL majority to find a budget solution.

However, Senator Koering says he agrees with most of the Governor's cuts, even though he worries the cuts will drive up the cost of college tuition.