Date: May 16, 2004
Subject: DFL terminates Commissioner Yecke

The following statement was issued by Governor Tim Pawlenty today:

"In the dark of night, the Democrats in the Minnesota Senate have done a great disservice to our state. By rejecting Commissioner Yecke on a party line vote, they have rejected innovation and accountability for our education system. My disappointment in their action and the loss to our state is deep and profound.

"The DFL and other defenders of the status quo must know that their action this morning will not change our reform-focused mission for education — nor our confidence and respect for Dr. Yecke."