Entenza Statement on Governor's Budget Proposal

ST. PAUL, Minn. - In response to the unveiling of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal today, Matt Entenza has issued the following statement:

"There's a saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Since Tim Pawlenty took office in 2003, Minnesota has endured cut after cut - yet our economy is in the tank.

"At this point, the results are indisputable, but Gov. Pawlenty hasn't learned. When we disinvest in things like higher education, which helps our state innovate, attract and create jobs, it is a failure of vision. It also brings to mind another saying: penny wise, pound foolish.

"We need more than a change of names in the governor's office; we need a new vision of how to face our challenges and create opportunities for Minnesota to thrive in the future."

Matt Entenza's campaign for governor of Minnesota is about growing the economy, creating jobs all over Minnesota by focusing on the potential of clean energy, and refocusing on education as the engine of future job creation and economic competitiveness. Entenza was a white-collar crime prosecutor prior to representing St. Paul in the Minnesota legislature for 12 years, including four years during which he also served as House Minority Leader and led the DFL to significant gains. In 2007, Entenza founded Minnesota 2020, a think tank that has been an important voice for progressive policy positions and which he chaired until April 2009. Entenza is a graduate of Worthington High School in Worthington, Minn., Macalester College in St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota Law School.