WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-Governor Pawlenty Talks Economy in State of the State

Governor Pawlenty Talks Economy in State of the State

(AP)- Governor Pawlenty says Minnesotans are concerned about a fragile economy, and that's more reason than ever to avoid tax increases.  Pawlenty delivered his State of the State speech at the St. Cloud Civic Center Wednesday morning.  The Republican governor is using the address to highlight several proposals he's already put before the Legislature.

Pawlenty also added a new proposal to the mix: a special commission to recommend business-friendly tax changes that would drive job growth and economic activity.  Pawlenty is also reminding lawmakers that the state is looking at a projected budget deficit. He says he won't hesitate to use his veto to hold down taxes and spending.

The governor is also looking back at Minnesota's last year. He says the state faced "a decade's worth of disasters" in 2007, including floods, forest fires and the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

Reaction to Governor Pawlenty's State of the State speech is falling along predictable party lines.  Republicans lawmakers are applauding his call to restrain taxes. Democrats say they wanted to hear more from the governor about how he'll solve the budget deficit and work toward a comprehensive transportation plan.

A tad more than half of state lawmakers made the trip from the Capitol.  Democratic House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher says the speech was high on inspiration and low on specifics.  Republican Senate leader David Senjem says he appreciated Pawlenty's call for a commission to study the affects of the tax climate on business.