Saint Paul – Governor Pawlenty today signed Executive Order 08-16, updating the responsibilities of the Governor’s 21st Century Tax Reform Commission. In addition to providing advice and recommendations to the Governor involving long-term improvements in business practices, the Commission will now review and consider, as part of its analysis, the changes to the Minnesota and national economy, the November economic forecast, and the Governor’s proposed state budget. The Executive Order also requires the Commission to issue its report and recommendations to the Governor no later than February 15, 2009.

The following is the text of the Governor’s order:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 08-16

PROVIDING FOR THE GOVERNOR’S
21ST CENTURY TAX REFORM COMMISSION

I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of the State of Minnesota, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable statutes, do hereby issue this executive order:

WHEREAS, on February 29, 2008, I issued Executive Order 08-06 establishing the 21st Century Tax Reform Commission (“Commission”); and

WHEREAS, since completion of the open appointments process in April 2008, the Commission has been meeting regularly and the members devoting significant personal time to complete the Commission’s analysis and recommendations; and

WHEREAS, the original order called for the Commission to issue a report and recommendations by December 1, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota and the rest of the country have experienced significant changes to the economic conditions this Fall; and

WHEREAS, the Commission should consider the changes to the economy, November forecast and the Governor’s proposed budget in preparing its report and recommendations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order:

1. The Commission should review and consider as part of its analysis the changes to the Minnesota and national economy, the November state forecast and the Governor’s proposed state budget.

2. Executive Order 08-06 is amended to provide that the Commission issue its report and recommendations to the Governor no later than February 15, 2009.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Executive Order will be effective fifteen (15) days after publication in the State Register and filing with the Secretary of State.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 7th day of November, 2008.