Pawlenty names point person on federal stimulus

Finance commissioner
Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson will oversee Minnesota's expected share of the federal stimulus package.
MPR Photo/Tom Scheck

Gov. Pawlenty has appointed the director of Minnesota Management and Budget to oversee Minnesota's portion of the federal stimulus package.

Pawlenty said in a news release that Tom Hanson is best suited to lead the efforts, since he works closely with state agencies and the federal government as the state's top finance official.

The expected economic stimulus package hasn't been finalized yet, but the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the bill which costs more than $800 billion.

On his weekly radio show, Pawlenty said he's worried about the amount of federal debt the package will run up, but said he'll fight for the state's portion.

"Minnesota should fight for its share of the money because we are net payers into the federal government," said Pawlenty. "For every dollar that we send in, we only get back about 70-75 cents from the federal government. So I don't think we need to be bashful about asking for our share."

DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich criticized Pawlenty's choice of Hanson. He said Hanson already has his hands full with managing the state's budget, and the federal money should be handled by someone else.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.