Tim Pawlenty, known affectionately as “T-Paw,” was a two-term governor of Minnesota and is one of the leading voices in the Republican Party. He was also a candidate for the 2012 Republican nomination for president and co-chair of Mitt Romney for President. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, his presentations address our current political climate and what is next for the GOP in a way that only someone who has traveled the country running for President and served successfully as governor could. He shares insider stories from the campaign trail and conveys thoughtful approaches to the most pressing public policy issues of our time, all with clarity and an upbeat energy. Pawlenty can also do in-depth policy analysis for healthcare, education, fiscal issues, agriculture, and other topics. 

Tim Pawlenty used innovative and conservative leadership to balance Minnesota’s budget, cut spending, reform healthcare, and improve schools without raising taxes. Due to his leadership, Minnesota had nation-leading healthcare, high school test scores, and a prosperous economy. Pawlenty has also played an active role in international affairs and foreign policy. He made five trips to Iraq, three to Afghanistan, two to Kosovo, and one to Bosnia—all in support of American troops. In support of Minnesotan businesses, he also led trade missions around the world, including missions to China, India, Israel, Chile, Brazil, Poland, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Canada. 

Gubernatorial Career. After being elected governor in 2002, Pawlenty represented the interests of more than five million citizens and was responsible for a $50 billion biennial budget, more than 30,000 employees, and over 30 agencies and departments. As Minnesota’s chief executive officer, Pawlenty also balanced the budget every year—erasing a deficit of $4.3 billion—and cut taxes by nearly $800 million. This moved Minnesota out of the top 10 highest-taxed states—a goal of every Minnesota governor for more than 30 years.

In addition to tackling the state’s fiscal concerns, Tim Pawlenty also championed innovative education and healthcare reforms that later became national models. His healthcare reforms made price and quality more transparent for patients, which led to an overall better standard of care. His education reforms held teachers accountable, rewarding the best with a performance-pay system. Pawlenty has long stood behind the importance of education, as he was the first in his family to graduate from college. Other public policy initiatives he proposed and implemented in these areas were viewed as amongst the most innovative and impactful in the nation. As chair of the State Board of Investment, Pawlenty also provided oversight of $60 billion in investments.

Pre- and Post-Governorship. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, Pawlenty became the Republican majority leader and led efforts to enact the largest tax cuts in the state’s history. After his governorship, Pawlenty served as the president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable. He also authored the book, Courage to Stand, which covers his reflections on leadership, public service, and policy, explaining how he successfully governed his left-leaning state.

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