The Star-Tribune reported reported minutes ago that Ramsey County District Judge Kathleen Gearin issued a temporary restraining order reinstating money for the Minnesota Supplemental Aid Special Diet going back to November 1 pending a hearing in March on the case.
Responding to the suit brought by Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance, which argued that Governor Pawlenty misused his unallotment power in cutting the Special Diet program (beginning this past November) as well as in reducing the Renters’ Credit by 27% (beginning next summer), the judge stated that Pawlenty
“trod upon the constitutional authority of the legislature”
It’s too early to celebrate, however. The Pawlenty Administration released a statement saying: “We are weighing all of our options including appeal, reestablishing unallotments under the current forecast, potential legislative action, and other options.”
Stay tuned to this blog for updates and analysis in the weeks and months to come …
For a more thorough article on the Temporary Restraining Order and its potential impact, read this MinnPost article.
Click on the Comment link immediate below for some words of wisdom from one this blog’s readers, Ruth.
What a way to begin a New Year!!! I dare say there is a glimmer of hope; even though it may be a very small glimmer; it is, none-the-less, very definitely palpable.
While this is only the first step in what will very likely be a long, drawn out, divisive case; a warning volley has been fired across the bow of the ship of State, here in Minnesota. A line has been drawn in the sand, and we will stand our ground.
It will likely be months, if not years before those affected will actually see any visible change or feel any positive impact. Certainly, there will be no way ground lost can be regained as far as matters of health are concerned; the damage caused is irreparable, and can never be erased.
Caution must be the operative byword. We cannot not allow ourselves to become complacent. We must continue to share how these unallotments have impacted our lives and the lives of friends, neighbors, and loved ones. It is up to us to put faces, names and individual circumstances to the numbers.
Surprising as it may seem, the majority of people with whom I personally come into contact, were completely unaware of the unallotments and had no idea of what turmoil was being unleashed.
Do not hesitate to become informed and to speak out, in public, at every opportunity. Make certain to emphasize that those of us affected do not want to be pitied. We do not desire others to feel sorry for us.
We simply desire to inform the general public of what injustices are being perpetrated against particular segments of the population; all in the name of expediency.