A recent article by the Star Tribune, State economist: A thorn in governor’s philosophy, puts the Minnesota state economist at odd with the governor. While Governor Tim Pawlenty is an only-spending-cuts-will-save-us type Republican, at least lately, the state economist, Tom Stinson, argues that there is no single solution (e.g., neither tax hikes nor spending cuts alone) to the money woes in Minnesota. In fact, Mr Stinson appears to support President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus efforts, which Pawlenty has had nothing but ill will toward.
I am not sure whether we have had enough time to know if the stimulus has worked, I am certain that I will give the state economist, who has been doing this work for Minnesota for some twenty years, benefit of the doubt. Which is more than Pawlenty appears willing to do, because Stinson’s forecasts do not fall in line with the governor’s national political aspirations.
From the article:
As the state’s budget deficit ballooned into billions of dollars, the Republican governor blamed DFLers, who he says would rather raise taxes than rein in spending. In the process, Pawlenty has barely mentioned Stinson and rarely talks to him.
I can hardly disagree with the governor’s opinion that Democrats tend to want to raise taxes to solve financial shortcomings. I think most everyone would agree that this is stereotypically true. However, Pawlenty plays the stereotypical role of Republican to a tee as well, by pigheadedly refusing to accept that a balanced approach of cutting spending and raising taxes may be necessary. The answer isn’t always cutting spending and cutting taxes. History shows us that approach can have serious negative effects.
Source: zfacts.com
At the same time, I don’t side with the Democrats—at least not the stereotypical tax-more-spend-more Democrats. The positions of mainstream party members on both sides are exaggerated, I think. Most Democrats and most Republicans realize that there needs to be economic middle ground.
Neither tax-and-spend nor slash-and-burn policies are going to solve our money problems. A balanced approach, where we tax what and when we need to and spend where we need to, and do not when we need not, is the ideal approach.
Also from the article:
For the moment, there appear to be plenty of economic experts — including Republicans — who agree with Stinson that something serious is amiss in Minnesota.
Perhaps Pawlenty should focus a bit less on populist Republican ideals and a bit more on pragmatic and realistic solutions for Minnesota. I know he already has one foot out the door (and itching to feel that Oval Office carpeting), but the voters, and I mean all voters, not just the hardcore dogmatic conservatives, will look at how Pawlenty handles Minnesota’s finances as a measure of how well he might do with the nation’s.
Instead of being dogmatic about an idealized fiscal policy for the national stage, Mr Pawlenty should consider the future of his current neighbors, even if he does want to leave us all behind.
Read the original Star Tribune article here.
What template are you running on this site ? I really like it. Could you post where you got it from ?
It’s a custom template I created.
This blog is varied to say the least – I will return most def!