Don L. Bye's article, "Penny-wise pound-foolish," attacking Gov. Tim Pawlenty in the Sept. 20 Lake Country Echo was unwarranted, ridiculous and not based on true facts.
The Democratic majority in the Minnesota House and Senate proposed $4 billion in new spending over the last budget year. They wanted to increase taxes across the board, such as the sales tax, income tax, gas tax, tax haircuts, beer and even funerals.
The governor vetoed $2 billion and approved $2 billion from the State proposed surplus acquired under the direction of the governor. Effective July 1, 2007, the law outlines $13.7 billion for the biennium. Budget 2008-09: the Education-12 category, $13,790 million; and transportation, $251 million.
When is enough, enough?
Arthur Vadnais,
Crosslake
