FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2010
CONTACTS: Jennifer Munt ▪ 651-287-0575 work ▪ 651-357-8544 cell            click here for PDF

Today, Gov. Pawlenty delivered his final state of the state address. Below is a response from Eliot Seide, director of AFSCME Council 5, a union of 43,000 public and non-profit workers throughout Minnesota.

“Wendell Anderson’s legacy was the Minnesota Miracle; Tim Pawlenty’s legacy will be the Minnesota Massacre. Under his failed ‘no new taxes’ leadership, Minnesota is lagging where it used to lead the nation.”

“If your roads aren’t plowed, thank Gov. Pawlenty. If your library is locked, thank Gov. Pawlenty. If you’re denied health care, thank Gov. Pawlenty. If you can’t afford tuition, thank Gov. Pawlenty. If you can’t find a job to support your family, thank Gov. Pawlenty.”

“Economic recovery doesn’t trickle down to workers. Instead of protecting the wealthiest Minnesotans from paying their fair share of taxes, we need to protect the essential public services that families need most during tough times.”

“Our public sector workforce is one of the leanest and most productive in the nation. We welcome the opportunity to work with any public employer to provide even better services at a lower price.”

AFSCME Council 5 advocates for excellence in public services, dignity in the workplace, and opportunity and prosperity for all working families.

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