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~ Fiscal discipline, energy initiatives, education & health care reform included ~ Governor Tim Pawlenty said today the 2007 legislative session achieved many of the goals he outlined in his inaugural and State of the State addresses including key provisions for veterans and military members, and major progress on renewable energy initiatives, education and health care reform. In addition, the bills passed by the legislature spend a total of $34.68 billion, a 10.1% increase over two years, a budget consistent with the Governor’s commitment to fiscal discipline and government living within its means. Those figures may be lowered by vetoes or line item vetoes. “I said all along that a 10 percent spending increase was enough and I am glad we kept a lid on the DFL majority’s nearly unrestrained appetite for spending,” Governor Pawlenty said. “This budget doesn’t raise taxes and it also targets key priorities like education, renewable energy and veterans while keeping a lid on spending. The outcome of this session is largely positive.” The attached chart shows a comparison of the Governor's budget recommendation with the bills passed independently by the House and Senate, along with a preliminary end-of-session estimate of the final version passed by the legislature. --30-- |