Dems react to high court’s unallotment ruling

Democrats are weighing in on today’s ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Gov. Pawlenty’s use of unallotment was unconstitutional. House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Margeret Anderson Kelliher used it as a chance to campaign, while Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said that the decision “restores proper balance between the executive and legislative branches” — but still leaves us in a budgetary world of hurt.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-endorsed candidate for governor:

…The Governor put his own ideology and political ambitions ahead of the needs of Minnesotans.

This is exactly why I’m running for governor. We need a governor who will sit down with people and work out balanced solutions. This is what Minnesotans expect from their leaders. As Speaker, I passed three balanced budgets and fought to protect Minnesota’s priorities—strong public schools, good jobs and affordable healthcare. As Governor, I will work with the legislature to take a balanced approach to putting our state back on track. I will take a common sense approach that strengthens Minnesota, protects our values, and moves our great state forward.

R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis mayor:

The Supreme Court decision today restores proper balance between the executive and legislative branches. It does not, however, alter the reality that the State of Minnesota is in a deep fiscal crisis. At moments like these, Minnesotans have a right to expect that all sides at the Capitol will demonstrate the highest level of statesmanship and will come together around a unified vision for our state.

The DFL:

The Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling confirms what Minnesotans have know for a long time – Tim Pawlenty has continually abused his authority for political gain in unilaterally slashing vital services for Minnesota’s working families, school children and elderly in order to curry favor with the far right wing of the national Republican electorate.  Tim Pawlenty has been on the wrong side of Minnesota families for a long time and today the state’s highest court confirmed he was on the wrong side of the law as well.

And, via MinnPost, reactions from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman:

The Supreme Court has rightly rejected the Governor’s go-it-alone strategy that has marked his eight years in office. While that approach may have served his presidential ambitions, it has not served the people of our state. Minnesotans are tired of political games – they want realistic solutions. They want police officers on their streets and good teachers in their classrooms. Today’s ruling is a call to action for the Governor to return to the table and work with the legislature to get the job done.

And DFL State Rep. Ryan Winkler of Golden Valley:

Today Tim Pawlenty’s overreach was overthrown by the enduring principles of democratic governance. The checks and balances created by our constitution have again tipped the balance back in favor of the people of Minnesota.

Impartiality demonstrated by members of the Minnesota Supreme Court deserves the state’s highest praise and gratitude. Their ruling strictly follows the letter of the law and the clear language of the Minnesota Constitution – a constitution carefully crafted to uphold a constructive balance of power within state government.

Now the task falls to the Legislature and Governor to do what our constitution requires, and what Minnesotans elected us to do: find common ground, and together solve the state’s budget crisis.