ST. PAUL – The Taxpayers League of Minnesota this week released their annual Legislative Scorecard for the 2008 state legislative session. This release marks the 12^th time that the Taxpayers League has ranked Minnesota legislators based on their votes on issues related to taxes and state spending. In 2008, Sen. Julianne Ortman [R-Chanhassen] and seven other legislators earned “Best Friend of the Taxpayer” awards. This is Sen. Ortman’s 1^st award. To be named a “Best Friend of the Taxpayer” during a legislative session, a Representative or Senator must score a perfect 100% on the votes selected by the Taxpayers League.The Legislature’s vote to override Governor Pawlenty on the $6.6 billion tax increase for transit and transportation spending figures prominently in the 2008 Scorecard. In addition, this year’s scorecard explains the House and Senate’s passage of a Constitutional amendment that would dedicate $300 million in new sales tax to environmental and “cultural heritage” programs.“The Taxpayers League Legislative Scorecard is the best device Minnesotans have to determine who’s after their wallet and what lawmakers intend to do with it once they’ve got it, said Phil Krinkie, President of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota. Added Krinkie, “politicians are famous for promising one thing during a campaign and then voting another way during the legislative session. Our Scorecard aims to bring some accountability to the process.” The Taxpayers League’s annual Legislative Scorecard is Minnesota’s most authoritative ranking of state legislators based on fiscal issues and not only provides a substantial accounting of each year’s legislative record, but also a lifetime score for legislators that have served multiple terms.