Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding DFL concerns about the projected state budget deficit for FY 2012-13:

“DFLers who express concern about the size of the projected future budget deficit should look in the mirror. If they had passed my February budget recommendations and made the unallotment cuts permanent, next budget’s projected deficit would’ve dropped by more than half. Their unwillingness to make long-term cuts is driven by their desire to raise taxes next year when I’m not here to stop them, but they’re not hearing the public outcry against bigger government and more spending.”