Letter: Furlough politicians

Minnesota is facing an historic budget crisis. We must look for smart solutions to our problems. It is easy for Gov. Tim Pawlenty to say cutting government jobs is the way out of this. It is important to look at what cutting jobs means. It means fewer services for taxpayers. If state workers are furloughed, there will be fewer health inspectors, employment and financial assistance counselors, parole officers, DNR officers, park attendants and so many other services would need to be reduced because of under staffing.

In my job we support the issuance of all State and Federal Aid to Minnesota's underprivileged, elderly and children, including day care. We also support the interfaces between state aid computer systems and Work Force One, child support, Social Security and MinnesotaCare, which is necessary for those agencies to function properly.

Let’s look at other ways to protect vital services during the tough times ahead by reducing unnecessary expenses, outsourced and contractural positions, which actually cost the state’s taxpayers over twice as much in 2008 as the salaries and benefits of all state employees.

Next, why do the governor and legislators get free medical care and a full retirement package after serving just one term? How many millions do we pay a year for retired governors and legislators? Why aren’t they being furloughed?

Michael Fisette

Cottage Grove

Tags: opinion, government, jobs