Americans for Tax Reform expressed dismay over a 4-3 decision Wednesday by the Minnesota Supreme Court undercutting the governor’s unallotment authority. Gov. Pawlenty used this budget-cutting tool effectively last summer to bring the state budget into balance without imposing harmful tax increases. ATR President Grover Norquist released this statement on the ruling:
“Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling is a lose-lose for taxpayers. It calls into question the principled budget cuts made by Gov. Pawlenty last year, while potentially emboldening the DFL-led legislature to impose the type of punishing tax increases the governor has rightfully avoided. Gov. Pawlenty should be commended for standing up for the interests of taxpayers and pledging never to raise taxes on Minnesota families – a promise he has reaffirmed even in the aftermath of this Court decision.
There is no reason to apologize for unallotment cuts brought on by virtue of fiscal necessity. The legislature should not use this decision as an excuse to raise taxes. I urge lawmakers to ratify Gov. Pawlenty’s unallotment cuts and continue to fight against profligacy and opacity in government spending. Most importantly, they must join the governor in pursuing private sector-led job creation and economic growth. His proposed corporate income tax cut would be a perfect start down the road to prosperity in Minnesota.”