Carver Co. legislators call for state spending cuts

CARVER COUNTY, MN – With the state government facing a projected $1.2 billion shortfall in the 2010-11 biennium and a $5.4 billion deficit in the next biennium, local legislators recently called for spending cuts, the Chaska Herald reported.

All three Republicans from Carver County — Rep. Paul Kohls, Victoria, Rep. Joe Hoppe, Chaska, and Sen. Julianne Ortman, Chanhassen — were in one accord, voicing that the state should spend less money, the Chaska Herald reported.

Kohls, an advocate of a state spending freeze during the last session, took part in a rally at the state Capitol rotunda to support a spending accountability amendment proposed this summer by Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Kohls is the House sponsor of the amendment, which would limit the state general fund budget to the level of revenue received during the previous budget period.

Pawlenty has suggested the amendment be put to a 2010 statewide vote. Before this could happen, it would need to pass through the DFL-controlled state Legislature.

To read the full article, go to http://www.chaskaherald.com/news/state-politics/legislators-react-state-budget-shortfall-112