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Registration date : 2009-08-04
 | Subject: Representative Falk Report  Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:47 pm | |
| ST. PAUL, MN – With nearly 220,000 Minnesotans unemployed, the Minnesota Legislature worked quickly this session to pass a bonding bill (HF2700) focused on putting people back to work. By passing the bill early, state Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL – Murdock) says the state can cash in on lower interest rates, and get thousands of people back on the job when the ground thaws this spring.“Often I hear from constituents that state government needs to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. I couldn’t agree more,” said Rep. Falk. “That’s exactly why this carefully-crafted bonding bill is essential for Minnesota. “We can get these projects done faster, cheaper, and at a greater value to our economy as bids come in between 20 to 30 percent lower than anticipated.”This year’s bonding bill will put thousands of Minnesotans back on the job. Many will be construction jobs building and making repairs on important infrastructure projects. But other jobs created by this year’s bonding bill will be jobs that support these projects – in transportation, architecture, and more. According to State Economist Tom Stinson, a smart bonding bill has the potential to create positive ripple effects in Minnesota’s economy necessary to spur needed economic growth.“The Legislature’s influence over this nationwide recession is limited,” Falk said. “But there are some things we can and should be doing to get Minnesotans off the bench and back on the job. This bill is one of them.”Included in the bill is $200,000 to begin planning and design work for the installation of a commercial-scale wind turbine at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Minnesota West currently has a very strong wind energy curriculum, but having a commercial-scale turbine as a training tool only improves the program. Falk argues putting the infrastructure on campus will have dual benefits.“Making this initial 200 thousand dollar investment will put Minnesota West in a good position to leverage additional construction funding for the project in the next biennium,” Rep. Falk said.“By building the wind turbine, we will be able train our students here in Canby, while reducing energy costs at the College. It’s the kind of local economic progress quick, decisive legislative action can make happen – and the right thing to do to help revitalize our local economy.”Falk expressed frustration that the project wasn’t funded in its entirety this year – citing historically low interest rates and lower than expected project bids as compelling reasons to move ahead with the project quickly. Still, Rep. Falk has pledged to continue working on the project to ensure construction funding to finish the Canby project is included in next year’s bonding bill.Along with the bonding bill, the House is looking at several initiatives to create jobs and support small businesses, including a bill to improve access to credit, reduce costly regulations and mandates, broaden access to technology, and help reduce energy costs. | |
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