Green jobs stimulus bill moves forward

published 2/17/2009

A House division approved a bill that would lay the groundwork for spending federal stimulus dollars on energy efficiency projects for state and local governments and school districts.

HF680, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Kalin (DFL-North Branch), would appropriate one portion of Minnesota’s share of the $787 billion economic recovery package signed today by President Barack Obama.

The House State Government Finance Division approved the bill and referred it to the House Finance Committee. Its next hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Division.

In addition to funding energy conservation projects for government offices, the bill would also direct some of the stimulus money toward weatherizing the homes of low- and medium-income Minnesotans.

Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina) was one of several Republicans who criticized the bill as being hastily constructed and potentially filled with “pork.”

A companion, SF657, sponsored by Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), awaits action by the Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology and Communications Committee.

- Mike Cook