FreedomDogs blog gave an update on the August 14 Health Care Freedom Rallies held across the state.

The numbers opposing ObamaCare are growing, and showing up to voice concerns at representative's offices throughout the state Friday.

At Rep, Keith Ellison's office (Minneapolis), a young girl asked about the Gadsden flag and received a friendly American history lesson – explaining it showed a sign of unity and strength against England's treatment of the citizens of its new Colonies:

Dan McGrath from Minnesota Majority filmed this town meeting outside of Rep. Betty McCollum's (St. Paul) office:

Since some elected officials are avoiding public forums on health care, their constituents brought impromptu town hall meetings to the local offices of their representatives and senators on August 14th, 2009.

Our own Guy'd Dog reported on Facebook:

The wife and kids went to US Senator Amy Klobuchar's office today to discuss health care. About 50 people actually met with the staff instead. Way more than the staff expected, and 50 more were waiting for the next meeting. Literally 90% anti-ObamaCare.

We'll add more photos and reports as we get them. If you weren't able to attend Friday,  Tea Party Minnesota is planning more lunch-time rallies August 22 and 28.

Congratulations to Red and others from SD-45 who came out and show support for health care freedom. Democracy is a good thing!

The Governor outplayed the DFL today, and boldly announced in a news release:

NO SPECIAL SESSION, NO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN -- GOVERNOR PAWLENTY SAYS HE WILL BALANCE STATE BUDGET

-Governor outlines plan to use executive action to balance budget, says his preference is to sign into law a negotiated budget agreement --

Saint Paul - At the State Capitol this afternoon, Governor Tim Pawlenty said, "Politics as usual around this place is over. The people of Minnesota expect and deserve timely and decisive action. I will not let the legislature's work spill over into a special session. We are not going to waste taxpayer money with a costly overtime or have a state government shutdown, especially in this economy. My preference would be for DFL legislators to work with me on a reasonable budget solution, but if they can't get that done I will take executive action to balance the budget."

"A key principle is that the DFL-controlled legislature shouldn't spend more money than the state has available," Governor Pawlenty said. "Unfortunately, they have done just that and now I'll fix it."

 

Thank Governor Pawlenty for taking action and  using his veto pen against raising taxes!

Call 651-296-3391 or send an email to tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us

SD45 Chair Candace Oathout wrote this letter to the editor, published in the StarTribune:

VERMILION PARK

In these tough times, it's not an essential

The Star Tribune editorial "Don't abandon plan for Vermilion park" (April 19) strikes at the heart of the dilemma facing our nation today: the inability to determine a want from a need.

We are experiencing record deficits in all levels of government. The Vermilion park plan would take 2,500 acres of additional land off the tax rolls, eliminate future use of this land for all but limited recreation, increase government bureaucracy to maintain the proposed park in perpetuity and, by the way, pay more than the assessed value of the land!

This is where we collectively slap our foreheads. Even the $14 million assessed value of the land to be purchased would go a long way to providing for health care needs of disabled and impoverished children and adults. It would pay for about 291 teachers to help Minnesota schools meet their goal of providing world-class education to every child. It could provide $14 million in restored, perhaps even increased, Local Government Aid to cities that provide basic safety, infrastructure maintenance and repair, and sanitation services to local residents without increasing their property taxes.

We have to ask: Is this a pressing need in challenging times, or simply a desire?

CANDACE OATHOUT, CRYSTAL

Over a dozen residents carpooled and met up with friends at the State Capitol April 15 to protest excessive spending and taxes imposed by the government. We were happy to be part of an estimated 7,500 group of like-minded Minnesotans. While the media and Democrats attempted to diminish and demoralize the tea parties here and nationwide - we know they're scared. And with good reason. This looks to repeat the conservative takeover in 1994 during President Clinton's presidency.

Now what? First, if you couldn't make the tea party, you can join thousands Saturday May 2 for the Tax Cut Rally at State Capitol, beginning at 11:00am. Second, American Majority started an "After the Tea Party" site to get you plugged in and involved.

Or, contact our SD45 leadership to match your talents with volunteer opportunities. We're planning new and great things in 2009 and beyond. It doesn't stop with rallies - and we need your great ideas and enthusiasm. If 7,500 + found time on short notice to speak in a unified voice April 15, imagine what we can do in 2010!