“We appreciate the work of the wide variety of participants from the private sector, non-profits and other organizations who came together today to offer their thoughts about tackling the challenges facing Minnesota.
“Governor Pawlenty believes we should use this opportunity to reform and reinvigorate state government. While balancing the budget is a must, we can also make Minnesota stronger, more competitive and better positioned for future success.
“Ideas that were offered include paying for performance, redesigning local government aid, getting better value in health care, reforming chemical dependency programs, making early childhood programs stronger and more targeted, and connecting higher education to workforce needs. We’ll be exploring these and other ideas as the Governor puts together his budget recommendations.”