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DFL Video: The Wait Continues
Tue, 09/07/2010 - 13:00Tom Emmer continues to stall, refuses to provide details about plans for Minnesota
ST. PAUL (September 7, 2010) - After months of waiting for any evidence of a plan from Tom Emmer, Minnesotans are still waiting. Yesterday, the GOP candidate for governor called a press conference to discuss his "jobs agenda," but provided no details. Instead, Emmer said he'd release more information later, but then once again refused to provide a hard timeline.
"And so the wait continues. Minnesotans still don't have a plan from Tom Emmer, all they have is his promise to cut taxes for his corporate donors and add another $626 million to the budget deficit," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "We won't let up until Tom Emmer has said exactly what he's going to do to Minnesota. The voters deserve to know."
The DFL Party released this web video taking Minnesotans through the long wait for Tom Emmer's plans:
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Emmer Fails to Deliver…Again
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 14:53Tom Emmer tries to buy more time with vague proposal to cut taxes for corporations and add more than $600 million to budget deficit
St. Paul (September 6, 2010) - This afternoon, after stalling for months, Tom Emmer held a press conference discuss his "jobs agenda." But the GOP candidate for governor provided no details, said he'd release more information later, and then refused to provide a timeline.
"Once again, it's all smoke and mirrors with Tom Emmer and Minnesotans still don't have a tangible plan from this out of touch candidate," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "All Tom Emmer did today was propose more tax cuts for corporations and add another $626 million to the state budget deficit."
"This so-called ‘jobs agenda' had no specifics on how much would be saved by his cuts, no indication of how Emmer would address the looming budget deficit and no explanation of how Tom Emmer would actually create jobs in Minnesota," Sosanie said. "This press conference was just another effort by Tom Emmer to buy himself time because he has no real plan to move Minnesota forward. So, the wait continues."
Emmer held the press conference with Permac Industries, a Burnsville based company who was aided by the Recovery Act funding that Emmer has vehemently opposed.
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Honoring Our Nation’s Workers
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 09:34ST. PAUL (September 6, 2010) - Today, the DFL Party praised the men and women of organized Labor and celebrated the Labor movement, which has helped people of every economic status and every walk of life. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:
"Each year on Labor Day, we honor our nation's workers and their contribution to our country. For decades, the Labor movement has fought for fairness in the workplace and served those we depend on - our workers. Especially during these difficult economic times, organized labor is an important part of rebuilding our economy.
"The Labor movement is responsible for things that most people take for granted: eight-hour workdays, occupational-safety standards, retirement security, the minimum wage - all accomplishments that have made our nation a better place for working families and helped so many realize the American dream. The DFL Party is proud to stand with the men and women of organized labor. On the Party's behalf, I honor and thank the men and women of organized Labor and their unions."
Spoiler Alert: Tom Emmer to Hold Press Conference at Company Saved by the Recovery Act Funding He Opposes
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 09:18ST. PAUL (September 6, 2010) - This afternoon, Tom Emmer will hold a press conference to discuss his "Jobs Agenda" at Permac Industries in Burnsville, Minnesota. There's just one problem - if Tom Emmer had had his way, there wouldn't be many workers left at Permac Industries.
Permac Industries makes precision-machined parts and experienced significant losses during the economic slowdown, losing 40 percent in sales in 2009. According to news reports, the business owners did not want to lay off their workers, but could not afford to keep them on. That is until they received funding from the federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Tom Emmer has vehemently opposed.
With the Recovery Act funding, Permac Industries was able to keep its employees on and actually hire new workers during the economic downturn. Now, their business has recovered and the demand for their parts has returned. But if Tom Emmer had had his way, Permac Industries would not have received the necessary funding, could not have created jobs, and would not be a success story today.
Background:
Tom Emmer has been an outspoken opponent of federal funding, especially the Recovery Act, which created and saved jobs at Permac Industries.
"Putting out a bunch of empty buckets in hopes of catching dollars raining down from Washington; that isn't leadership, that's desperation because you have no new ideas of your own." [Emmer State House office press release, 01/22/2009]
"Our citizens, our taxpayers and especially our business owners deserve better..." [Emmer State House office press release, 01/22/2009]
"We will ask them how government hinders their efforts, and how government can help. Not through phony ‘stimulus,' but through enabling them where we can, and getting out of the way when we must." [Emmer press release, 07/05/10]
Permac Industries was struggling in 2009 until they received the Federal stimulus funding and were able to keep their workers employed.
"The move by manufacturers to do more work in-house has hurt some businesses that have been suppliers. Permac Industries, a Burnsville-based company that makes precision-machined parts for a variety of industries, saw its sales fall about 40 percent in 2009 partly because customers were doing more of that work themselves, said CEO Darlene Miller. She said she knows of other precision parts makers that experienced the same drop-off in business. At Permac it occurred mostly with customers that previously ordered parts for hydraulic systems used in construction and off-road equipment, she said." [Star Tribune, 08/07/10]
"Miller's customers told her they were taking the work in-house to keep their employees occupied at a time when the overall level of manufacturing activity was down. "They figured [the recession] would be short-term, and they didn't want to lay off people," she said. Much of that business has since come back to Permac, she said. So far this year Permac's sales are up about 30 percent from 2009." [Star Tribune, 08/07/10]
Because of Recovery Act funding, Permac Industries was able to keep its workers and actually hire additional employees.
"The subsidized jobs program has provided us with a wonderful way to identify dedicated and dependable workers like Royal," said Permac Industries President Darlene Miller. Permac Industries has hired five employees through the jobs program, expanding Miller's business while training candidates for unsubsidized positions. These employees, in turn, are developing the experience needed to increase their financial independence." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 09/02/10]
"Based on positive reviews from his manager, Bissonette was offered another subsidized position at Permac Industries, a precision manufacturing company in Burnsville. Through participation in the subsidized transitional work program, Bissonette gained valuable job skills, paving the way to a more permanent position at Permac Industries." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 09/02/10]
"Without additional funding, employers like Permac Industries will lose the support that has made hiring workers like Bissonette possible in the midst of a difficult economic climate." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 09/02/10]
Will Tom Emmer Refuse to Let Minnesota Pay Back Pawlenty’s K-12 Education Shifts?
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 13:41Republican candidate for governor denies Minnesota has budget deficit, implies he will not payback cuts to public education
St. Paul (August 25, 2010) - Tom Emmer reiterated his latest talking point at this morning's debate in Brooklyn Park, saying once again that Minnesota doesn't have a budget deficit.
Emmer has repeatedly denied that the state has a deficit. Just yesterday he said: "Where is the deficit? We talk about ‘You got to raise taxes, government has to invest.' I'll say it again, government in the state of Minnesota is scheduled to get a seven percent increase in the next biennium. Government will have more money to spend in the next two years than it is spending right now. And yet the folks that want to raise taxes want to talk about a $6 billion deficit which is created on paper because government wants to spend $38 billion instead of the roughly $32 billion that we have."
Unfortunately for Emmer, budget experts, elected officials and journalists disagree. By their calculations, the state has a projected $6 billion deficit, and one of the only ways to eliminate that would be for Tom Emmer to stop the state from returning the money that Governor Pawlenty "shifted" from public schools.
"Well, Tom Emmer's at it again - showing every Minnesotan just how out of touch he is," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "The state is facing a historic budget deficit and our schools are suffering from Governor Pawlenty's failed policies. Those are the facts. But rather than tell the people of Minnesota what he would do as governor and come up with a budget plan, Tom Emmer is denying that there's a problem and hinting at a future filled with even more cuts to public education. So what will it be, Tom? Will you refuse to pay back the $1.4 billion Governor Pawlenty borrowed from K-12 education?"
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Emmer Snubs Greater Minnesota
Wed, 08/18/2010 - 12:15Republican candidate for governor puts politics over people once again, skips out on greater Minnesota debate
St. Paul (August 18, 2010) - Tom Emmer dropped out of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities debate this week to "focus on other activities" for his campaign. But just what could be more important than an open forum with leaders from greater Minnesota? For Tom Emmer, it's a closed-door fundraiser with a special-interest group.
"Talk about a day filled with special interests," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "This would have been an opportunity for Tom Emmer to tell greater Minnesota's mayors and elected officials what his plans are for our state. Obviously, Tom Emmer still has no plan and Minnesotans are still waiting."
Background
Emmer pulled out of greater Minnesota debate because of "scheduling issues." "Emmer's staffer also says Emmer [has] a fundraiser scheduled with the Truckers Association." [MPR, 08/17/10]
Emmer quickly drew criticism for the snub. "‘There is no better opportunity to explain why you will be a champion for rural Minnesota than by debating the other candidates for governor in front of mayors, city council members and city staff that make up the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities,' said Timothy Strand, the mayor of St. Peter and the group's president." [Star Tribune, 08/17/10]
By skipping the debate, Emmer avoids having to explain his plans to slash Local Government Aid. "Emmer and his campaign may have also been weighing the impact of attending the debate. The Coalition is a strong supporter of Local Government Aid, which has been reduced under Gov. Pawlenty. Emmer has proposed phasing LGA out and creating another, unspecified, formula." [MPR, 08/17/10]
Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Where Do You Stand, Tom Emmer?
Tue, 08/17/2010 - 11:56With the first full week of the general election season underway, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer still refuses to release any details on his plans for the future of Minnesota.
"It's time for Tom Emmer to take a stand on the issues Minnesotans care about," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "Emmer contradicts himself so often it leaves Minesotans with more questions than answers. So Tom Emmer, it's time to come clean. Where do you stand?"
The DFL party released this web video highlighting Emmer's frequent contradictions on the budget, job creation, immigration, renewable energy and other important issues facing Minnesota:
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
DFL Party Unites Behind Mark Dayton for Governor
Fri, 08/13/2010 - 16:50The DFL Party came together, one day after the election to rally behind our candidate for governor, Mark Dayton. Senators Klobuchar and Franken, the DFL gubernatorial candidates, Representatives McCollum and Ellison, and State Auditor Rebecca Otto, joined other party leaders at the Unity Event to show their support for Mark Dayton.
Watch the full video of the DFL Unity Press Conference here.
Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor State Auditor Congressional District: 04 05Bachmann Doesn’t Want to Come In From Recess
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 15:04Sixth district representative complains about returning to work to support police and teachers, reduce national deficit
St. Paul (August 5, 2010) - Representative Michele Bachmann complained this week about having to go back to work, then spoke out against a bill that would save jobs for Minnesota's police, firefighters, and teachers.
"Class sizes are already out-of-control in our schools which is directly impacting our children's ability to succeed. We need as much help keeping teachers in classrooms as we can get," said Todd Manninen, teacher at Buffalo High School. "I've lost too many excellent colleagues to budget cuts and our students are suffering."
"One of the most important functions of government is helping keep our communities are safe - that means keeping cops on the streets," said Zak Chlebeck, a north suburban area police officer and candidate for the Minnesota legislature. "Federal funding would help our local governments and police officers continue to protect our families."
The House of Representatives will reconvene next week to take up a bill that would provide millions to states in order to prevent layoffs in critical public sectors. The aid bill is paid for in full, and according to conservative estimates by the Congressional Budget Office, it will save Americans over $1billion over the next ten years. But Representative Bachmann characterized the proposal as, "spending more money we just don't have."
"Michele Bachmann has never had a problem making untrue statements to pander to the Tea Party, but her most recent comments are glaringly inaccurate," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "This bill will help state workers and public-school teachers keep their jobs, and it is fully paid for - that's the kind of work we need our representatives to do in Washington. It's time for Representative Bachmann to start working for people in the sixth district, not against them."
Background:
The state-aid bill will save jobs for Minnesota's teachers, firefighters and police officers.
- The measure promises cash-strapped governors $16.1 billion to help meet Medicaid payments next year, and $10 billion would go to state and local school boards to preserve teacher jobs. [Politico, 08/04/10]
- Democrats broke through Republican lines in the Senate Wednesday and moved quickly to call the House back into session to complete passage of a long-sought fiscal aid bill intended to avert layoffs of state workers and public school teachers this fall. [Politico, 08/04/10]
- Congressional Budget Office estimates released Tuesday night show that the revised bill would more than pay for itself, even reducing deficits by $1.37 billion over the next decade. Added revenues of $9.7 billion are assumed, chiefly from foreign tax credit reforms, but two-thirds of the offsets come from the spending side of the ledger. [Politico, 08/04/10]
Bachmann stands against the fully-paid for bill that would save jobs in Minnesota. "Despite Missourians sending a clear signal this week against the government's job-killing and reckless spending agenda by standing up to Obamacare, the Democrats would rather continue spending more money we just don't have." [Bachmann press release, 08/04/10]
Political District Tags Congressional District: 06
Veterans to Republicans: Do the Right Thing
Mon, 07/26/2010 - 09:24Veterans ask those who took fraudulent charity's money to donate funds to actually help vets
St. Paul (July 23, 2010) - Today, veterans called on candidates and political organizations who received money from the United States Navy Veterans Association (USNVA) to donate it to an organization that actually helps those who have served the country.
"People around the country are grateful for the sacrifice that so many men and women have made to serve our nation, and want to donate to organizations that help our veterans," said Trista Matascastillo, Chair of DFL Veterans Caucus. "The fact that these candidates refuse to give up the money intended to help our nation's veterans is disgraceful."
Yesterday, Tom Emmer refused to disclose whether or not he accepted money from the USNVA, a fraudulent charity that collected money for veterans and gave it to Republican candidates instead.
Emmer joins his fellow right-wing Republicans benefitting from these funds intended to help veterans: Michele Bachmann refuses to give up the money she received from the USNVA. And the Republican Party of Minnesota is still funneling the $10,000 they received from the fraudulent charity to its candidates around the state.
"It's time to send these donations to the place they were intended," said Matascastillo. "It's time for the Republican Party of Minnesota and any other candidate who received USNVA funds to donate that money to an organization that actually helps those who have served our country. I suggest they give it to Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund."
Background:
Republicans accepted money that was intended to help veterans, now refuse to part with it.
· "Thompson, the mysterious head of a nationwide veterans group called the U.S. Navy Veterans Association, is a Florida resident. But 35 percent of Thompson's more than $100,000 in federal donations over the past four years have gone to Minnesota candidates - primarily Republicans - and causes. That includes a $10,000 donation for a high-profile fundraiser in April featuring Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin. ‘We will be freezing the money pending the results of the investigations," said Gina Countryman, Bachmann's campaign manager, who added that Bachmann does not know Thompson.'" [Pioneer Press, 7/20/10]
· "Thompson's connection to Minnesota is unclear, but he is active in Minnesota politics. His donations include $10,000 to the Palin fundraiser, an event supported through a joint fundraising committee between Bachmann and the Republican Party of Minnesota. He also donated nearly $20,000 to former Sen. Norm Coleman's 2008 re-election bid and more than $10,000 to the Republican Party of Minnesota, including one on May 6 - two days after the Minnesota chapter of Navy Vets was dissolved." [Pioneer Press, 7/20/10]
Another Tough Town Hall for Tom Emmer?
Thu, 07/22/2010 - 12:08Minnesotans deserve to know whether the GOP candidate for governor took money intended for veterans
St. Paul (July 22, 2010) - In advance of Tom Emmer's town-hall meeting with veterans this afternoon, the DFL Party called on Emmer to disclose whether he took money from the United States Navy Veterans Association (USNVA), a fraudulent charity that collected money for veterans and gave it to Republican candidates instead. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:
"With so many Republican candidates implicated in this controversy, and another week before we can look at the campaign-finance reports, the questions on everyone's mind are: Did Tom Emmer take money from this fraudulent charity? If so, does he plan on keeping it?
"Tom Emmer has benefitted from NAVPAC donations in the past. Minnesota's veterans deserve to know if he will keep taking advantage of these despicable practices in the future."
Background:
Fraudulent charity solicited donations for veterans, gave it to Republican candidates and PACs instead. "Officials in other states are calling the United States Navy Veterans Association (USNVA) a fraudulent charity, and its founder and sole organizer, Bobby Thompson, has disappeared in the wake of investigations alleging the group diverted charitable donations intended for military veterans to Republican candidates and political action committees." [Minnesota Independent, 7/15/10]
Emmer benefitted from the USNVA funds in the past, as a member of the Minnesota House Republican Caucus. "At least $35,000 of donations from the group or its founder went to Minnesota politicians and entities, according to an investigation by the St. Petersburg Times (Fla.). In multiple gifts over several years, former Sen. Coleman took in $21,500, while Rep. Bachmann received the most recent contribution, $10,000 donated in April. The Republican Party of Minnesota received $2,000; the Minnesota House Republican Campaign Committee got $5,000, and Republican state House candidate David Carlson took in $500." [Minnesota Independent, 7/15/10]
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Unemployment According to Rep. Randy Demmer: Minnesotans Just Refuse to Work
Mon, 07/19/2010 - 11:50Politician's claim is no surprise given his out-of-touch record
St. Paul (June 19, 2010) - This weekend, Rep. Randy Demmer revealed the reason he believes people are out of work in Minnesota: Minnesotans just refuse to work. Rep. Demmer claimed to know business owners who want to hire workers but have been turned down because people receiving unemployment benefits refuse to work.
"Rep. Randy Demmer has opened a new line of attack in his campaign - this time against unemployed Minnesotans," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "First he opposed increasing the minimum wage, then he opposed unemployment insurance, and now Rep. Demmer is blaming unemployment on the very Minnesotans struggling to make house payments and feed their families. It's disgusting. But unfortunately, that's exactly what we've come to expect from this typical politician."
This weekend, while Rep. Randy Demmer was blaming the unemployed for their refusal to work, Tim Walz was working on a new tax credit for businesses looking to hire veterans.
"Leaders like Tim Walz are doing all they can to create jobs for Minnesotans, while politicians like Randy Demmer are simply out looking for the next person to blame," Sosanie said. "Minnesota needs innovative leadership during these difficult times, not just another politician like Demmer who's playing politics as usual."
Background:
Walz, Demmer: Big differences, small agreement "Unemployment checks serve as competition with private employers seeking to hire, Demmer said. He's talked to business owners who want to add employees but have been turned down by those who choose to stick with their unemployment benefits." [Mankato Free Press, 7/18/2010].
Rep. Randy Demmer voted repeatedly against the minimum wage. In 2004, 2005 and 2008 Rep. Randy Demmer continuously voted against the minimum wage. [HF 102, KVA p. 26, 4/14/04; HF 48, KVA p. 38, 5/2/05; HF 456, KVA p. 76, 5/8/08].
Rep. Randy Demmer opposes unemployment insurance. For those who reach the end of their benefits, Demmer is confident a job will be found. "People are resourceful," he said. "When they're put in a position to really go and find something, I think they will." [Mankato Free Press, 7/18/2010].
Congressman Walz has a plan for unemployed vets. Tim Walz's legislation will provide a job tax credit to small businesses that hire veterans [KEYC TV, 7/17/2010].
Related to: Tim Walz Randy Demmer Political District Tags Congressional District: 01Randy Demmer Chooses "Super-Lobbyist" to Chair Campaign
Fri, 07/16/2010 - 16:19Typical politician chooses Republican operative
Mankato, Minn. (July 16, 2010) - Today, State Rep. Randy Demmer announced his campaign team of Republican Party insiders. Chosen to lead his team is "super-lobbyist" Vin Weber.
"Rep. Randy Demmer has been in politics for 19 years and just like a typical politician, Randy Demmer chose a Washington insider to chair his campaign" said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "Tim Walz looked to local folks like Jerry and Kathleen Maschka in Mankato to chair his campaign. Southern Minnesota wants true leadership - not someone courting Republican operatives."
Rep. Demmer chooses ‘super-lobbyist.' Vin Weber named Washington, DC "super-lobbyist" [Media Transparency, 7/16/2010]
Political District Tags Congressional District: 01
Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel
Thu, 07/15/2010 - 14:13Republicans dust off their debunked claims of voter fraud to divert attention from current slate of out-of-touch candidates
St. Paul (July 15, 2010) - In a last-ditch effort to detract attention from Tom Emmer's abominable town hall with servers yesterday, the Republican Party of Minnesota today called on county attorneys to do something they're already doing. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:
"The 2008 election and recount was held up to the highest level of scrutiny, and passed the test. Let's look at the facts: Twelve judges - including the Supreme Court of Minnesota - found no evidence of fraud in the election. Senator Coleman's attorneys found no evidence of fraud. Governor Pawlenty admitted that there was no evidence of fraud. And leaders across the United States were impressed by the recount's meticulous attention to detail and its transparency.
"Today's latest political stunt by the Republican Party of Minnesota is about only two things: supporting Governor Pawlenty's national ambitions, and diverting attention from Tom Emmer's out-of-touch views and ongoing gaffes. If the Republicans would rather return to debunked claims about the 2008 election than talk about their candidates, things must be even worse for them than we thought."
Background:
County attorneys are already looking into the Republican claims, and have found them inaccurate.
"In reality, that has not been proven. And the actual number of felons who voted illegally will likely be much lower based on reviews from prosecutors who received Minnesota Majority's lists in the form of spread sheets in February.
"We received about 480 names from Minnesota Majority," Ramsey County's lead prosecutor Phil Carruthers told KARE Wednesday, "About 270 were clearly inaccurate and were rejected right from the get-go."
He said a quick review revealed the names and birthdates didn't match, or that the felons in question were no longer barred from voting.
"They were ruled out usually because they had the wrong identity of a person," Carruthers explained, "Or because the person no longer was on probation, and thus their civil rights had been restored."
[KARE 11, 7/15/10]
Sen. Coleman's lawyers admitted they found no evidence of voter fraud.
Hatch: We had litigation when I was Attorney General where people would sue on that Issue (photo-ID), and I think it's important that people have a right to vote. And the idea that a neighbor can vouch for who you are, you bring a utility bill is important. I don't think we've seen voter fraud in this state. I haven't heard of it. I mean, for all the talk about a photo ID, well, let's see where the problem is. If we haven't seen it, don't worry about it.
Knaak: There was a lot of criticism and a lot of suspicion, let's say, that was generated in the senate race, the fact of the matter is, to echo what Mike said, we were looking for fraud, and we didn't see it. So the bottom line is even though I like the idea, just because it's nice to have that verification, under the current system we haven't been seeing widespread fraud of any sort. And if it could happen anywhere, conceivably because of our relatively broad and generous standards, in any regard, it could happen here.
[Almanac, 2/5/10]
In opening arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court on June 1, 2009, Coleman attorney Joe Friedberg stated in court, "There was no election fraud. There was no voter fraud." [Talking Points Memo, 6/1/09]
Governor Pawlenty previously admitted there was no evidence of voter fraud in the 2008 election.
"When asked about any fraud that may have occurred during the 2008 election, Governor Pawlenty stated, ‘On those matters, we need to see evidence. [...] I know there are concerns or theories in that regard, but as far as I know we have not been presented with the evidence. If there were such evidence, it probably would have been presented in the Coleman v. Franken lawsuit.'" [Star Tribune, 10/7/09]
Related to: Mark Ritchie Political District Tags Statewide office: Secretary of State
Emmer Reaches Tipping Point - Offends Even More Servers
Tue, 07/13/2010 - 14:49"Going undercover" as a server for a few hours, lawyer-Tom Emmer now thinks he knows it all
St. Paul (July 13, 2010) - Last night, media reports covered Tom Emmer as he went undercover at a restaurant in St. Paul this past weekend. The stunt followed a week of criticism by restaurant owners, the press and servers themselves after the GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate declared his wish to slash wages for workers in the service industry. But with his latest attempt at damage control, Emmer once again only served to offend even more service workers.
"It's offensive that Tom Emmer thinks he can step in for one afternoon and know what it's like to walk in my shoes," said Joy Anderson, a server from Minneapolis. "Just because he spent a few hours serving margaritas in front of video cameras doesn't mean Mr. Emmer has any clue what it's like to work as a server, or to depend on minimum-wage-plus-tips to pay the bills. Tom Emmer may have taken a few hours off from his law firm to play the part, but for those of us who actually do the job night after night, his plan to slash wages would be devastating."
Background:
Emmer waits tables after server wage cut flap. Emmer "If you happened to dine at a certain Mexican restaurant in St. Paul over the weekend, you may have seen the Republican candidate for Minnesota Governor schlepping tables, getting a table-side lesson in what a waiter does." [WCCO, 7/12/10]
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Emmer on Wage Cuts: The Video Doesn’t Lie
Tue, 07/13/2010 - 12:04GOP candidate lashes out at media while trying to spin his plans to cut wages, but tracking video tells the truth
St. Paul (July 13, 2010) - In his many attempts to spin his plans to cut wages for servers, Tom Emmer is blaming the media and saying they wrongly reported his comments. But the video doesn't lie.
The DFL Party today released the tracking video from Emmer's event last week where he repeatedly talked about the need for a tip penalty and at no time mentioned a "freeze" as he is now claiming.
"Tom Emmer is simply not telling the truth," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "He can try to spin it however he'd like, but lashing out at the media will not change the fact that he wants to cut wages. The video doesn't lie."
To watch uncut video of the entire event, visit the DFL YouTube channel, here.
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: GovernorSocialism? Seriously?
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 14:46GOP candidate for governor has long record of standing against hardworking Minnesotans - called $1 wage increase "socialism"
St. Paul (July 9, 2010) - This week, Tom Emmer came under fire for his desire to slash the wages of service workers if he's elected governor. But Emmer has stood against hardworking Minnesotans before. In 2005, Tom Emmer opposed the first minimum-wage increase in over eight years, calling it "a true form of socialism." State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:
"Socialism? Seriously? It's clear that Tom Emmer has never worked in the service industry and doesn't understand the economic realities that face working Minnesotans."
Yesterday, the DFL Party launched www.ServersAgainstTomEmmer.com to help hardworking Minnesotans spread the word about Tom Emmer's plans to slash wages for service-industry workers.
Background:
Emmer stood against a minimum wage increase that helped 100,000 Minnesotans.
· On May 2, 2005, Emmer opposed a bill that raised the minimum wage by $1 an hour. The bill passed the House 84-50. [Minnesota House of Representatives, SF 3 2005, House Journal 3417]
· According to Minnesota Public Radio, supporters of a minimum wage increase estimated that 50,000 Minnesotans make the minimum wage and another 60-70,000 make less than a dollar more. [MPR Vote Tracker, accessed 5/29/10]
Emmer called a $6.15 minimum wage "socialism"
· "Republicans opposed to the measure said it...would drive more jobs elsewhere. The measure makes Minnesota even more hostile to entrepreneurs and job creators, said Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delando. ‘This is a true form of socialism,' Emmer said." [Duluth News Tribune, 5/3/05]
Now, Emmer wants to impose a tip penalty and cut the wages of hardworking Minnesotans. "Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer says Minnesota should factor tips into the hourly pay for minimum wage workers in restaurants and other gratuity-based jobs. After visiting a St. Paul restaurant Monday on a listening tour, Emmer advocated for a so-called "tip credit" to the state minimum wage." [Associated Press, 7/5/10]
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: GovernorWhat’s Cooking in Tom Emmer’s Kitchen?
Thu, 07/08/2010 - 13:38New website on Emmer's plans to slash wages unites servers against Tom Emmer
ST. PAUL (July 8, 2010) - Today, the DFL Party launched a new website to help hardworking Minnesotans spread the word about Tom Emmer's plans to slash wages for service-industry workers: http://www.serversagainsttomemmer.com
This week, GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer came under fire for his plot to slash wages by including a tip penalty for employers to reduce the minimum wage.
"Creating a punitive two-tier minimum wage would leave 45,000 hard working people behind and rob them of that base they depend on. That's no way to treat working people in this recovering economy," said Wade Luneburg, Political Director for UNITE HERE Minnesota. "If Tom Emmer's big policy to help fix Minnesota is to take away more than half of a low-wage workers pay, just think of what he else he has in store. Watch out Main Street, you're next."
Emmer said Minnesotans could stand the cut since many are making $100,000 a year with their tips - a statement that has been disproven by service workers themselves, restaurant owners, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Since he has no ideas on how to address the budget, Tom Emmer is looking for a quick fix, and apparently, he's willing to nickel-and-dime hardworking Minnesotans along the way," said State DFL Associate Chair Donna Cassutt. "As a former server who worked for tips, it's shocking to think that Tom Emmer wants to slash wages in order to do the bidding of certain big businesses - especially during these difficult times. This website will be a great tool to inform voters and keep track of this latest example of how Tom Emmer would harm Minnesota."
The website includes video of Tom Emmer's comments earlier this week, fliers for visitors to leave at venues when they give a tip, and facts to set the record straight on servers' income. See what's cooking in Tom Emmer's kitchen at www.serversagainsttomemmer.com.
Emmer's “Cutting Jobs for Minnesota” Tour, Take Two
Mon, 07/05/2010 - 16:33GOP candidate expands on plan to cut jobs if elected - would also reduce wages for those remaining employed
St. Paul (July 5, 2010) - Today, GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer said, on his latest Tea Party tour, that he would fight to make tips count toward the hourly pay for minimum wage if he were elected governor, effectively reducing the income of hardworking Minnesotans.
"It was bad enough when Tom Emmer was just promising to cut thousands of jobs, but now he wants to cut wages too? That's appalling," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "We need a governor who will fight to get Minnesotans back to work, not take money out of the pockets of middle class families and force them to worry even more about how they're going to pay the bills during these difficult times. If anyone needed any more proof of the extent to which Tom Emmer is out of touch with everyday Minnesotans, there it is."
Background:
Emmer wants tips to count for minimum wage. "Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer says Minnesota should factor tips into the hourly pay for minimum wage workers in restaurants and other gratuity-based jobs. After visiting a St. Paul restaurant Monday on a listening tour, Emmer advocated for a so-called ‘tip credit' to the state minimum wage." [Associated Press, 7/5/10]
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Readers (And Editors) Beware!
Thu, 07/01/2010 - 12:50GOP auditor candidate Pat Anderson will say anything to get elected - especially when it comes to LGA
St. Paul (July 1, 2010) - GOP State Auditor candidate Pat Awada Anderson has been trying to play both sides of the field while talking about Local Government Aid (LGA) cuts on her statewide media tour.
In greater Minnesota, Anderson bemoans the LGA cuts, saying the state is shirking its responsibility and promising to mend the strained relationship between the state and local governments that she created. In the Twin Cities, Anderson argues just the opposite, reverting to her original stance of using LGA cuts to balance the state budget, and saying in a Star Tribune editorial that the result of LGA cuts is "efficiency."
"It's hard to know where exactly Pat Anderson stands on any given issue since she will apparently say anything to promote herself, regardless of facts," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "But it's clear that Pat Anderson does not stand on principle."
Anderson first pushed for balancing the state budget through a 43% cut to LGA just one month after taking office in 2003. She labeled things like libraries, parks, and community health services as "non-essential services" that could be cut. And the LGA cuts Anderson first proposed have driven city property taxes up by 102% and may be contributing to home foreclosures and a delayed economic recovery.
"Pat Anderson's actions decimated communities in greater Minnesota, and Minnesotans haven't forgotten the reasons they voted her out of office four years ago," Sosanie said. "It would be one thing if Pat Anderson had seen the light and changed her position, but she hasn't. She's simply saying one thing in greater Minnesota while she argues the opposite in the Twin Cities - that's unprincipled, and it's hypocrisy at its worst."
Background
Pat Anderson will say anything in her effort to get elected.
- Anderson is for LGA cuts while in the Twin Cities. "The takeaway lesson of the Pawlenty era is that when local government must set priorities, it acts more responsibly." [Star Tribune, 3/4/10]
- Anderson opposes LGA cuts outside the Twin Cities. Anderson has been telling press in greater Minnesota that the state is shirking its responsibility by cutting aid to local governments. "The state shouldn't use LGA to balance its budget." [Litchfield Independent, 6/29/10]
Pat Anderson originally proposed and widely promoted cuts to Local Government Aid.
- Anderson first proposed cutting LGA. "Minnesota Auditor Pat Awada said on Monday that the state could erase nearly 12 percent of its $4.2 billion deficit in fiscal years 2004-05 with a targeted cut of 43 percent in state aid to cities." [Pioneer Press, 2/11/03]
- Anderson labeled things like libraries, parks, and community health services as "non-essential services" so that they could be cut. "In her prior term, her advice on "essential services" eligible for LGA didn't sit well with rural communities. She declared libraries a ‘non-essential' local government service." [Bemidji Pioneer, 5/30/10]
- Cuts to LGA have driven up property taxes by 102%. "As federal and state governments have reduced the amount of aid to cities, the result has been a greater reliance on revenues derived from property taxes...Between 1999 and 2008, actual revenues derived from property taxes grew 102 percent, compared to 10 percent for revenues derived from intergovernmental sources." [Minnesota City Report, 2008 Revenues, Expenditures and Debt, accessed 6/29/10]
Political District Tags Statewide office: State Auditor