Caption: Scott Yeazle tells a crowd on the steps of the Duluth City Hall that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of the poor. Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff"He's not running Minnesota. He's running for president." That's what Scott Yeazle of Twin Port Action Coalition said about Gov. Tim Pawlenty to a crowd of about 35 people who gathered on the steps of City Hall at 11 a.m. today.
"I'm wondering why he didn't just pull a Sarah Palin," Yeazle said of the Minnesota governor who has hinted that he is interested in running for president in 2012. (Palin abruptly resigned as governor of Alaska last week. Many people are surprised and speculate about her reasoning.)
The group protested Governor Pawlenty's budget cuts to the renter's rebate, health care and local government aid.
Yeazle said concerned Duluthians need to send a clear message to the Governor that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of Minnesota's poorest citizens. Yeazle said, "We want the Minnesota Miracle back."
Others speakers included state Representative Roger Reinert , St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O'Neil.
O'Neil said that in many instances counties will have to raise some taxes and that hospitals will also lose money.
The unallotment will affect poor single people. Starting in March 2010 Medical Assistance ill not be available to them. Many of the poorest will still not be able to afford the sliding fee scale of Minnesota Care.
Renters will no longer receive rebates.
