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State Representative Alice Hausman
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3824
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
TSCHUMPER & HAUSMAN TO HOST BONDING COMMUNITY FORUM IN LANESBORO
2008 is a major bonding year in the state legislature. For that reason Rep. Alice Hausman, Chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, is positioning the committee to hit the ground running when session begins on February 12.
"When Governor Pawlenty vetoed last year's capital investment bill, he stalled hundreds of the state's high priority bonding projects. Because of that, there are many needs throughout Minnesota that remain unmet," said Rep. Hausman. "Our committee is working throughout the legislative interim in preparation for next session because it is essential that this year's bonding package is successful. The vitality of our infrastructure and the future of Minnesota's long-term economic growth depend on it."
In that effort, the House Capital Investment Committee is traveling the state over the course of September and October to hear directly from citizens and local officials about regional infrastructure needs. Their goal is to fully register all of the state's bonding priorities, and create a legislative agenda for next year's omnibus capital investment bill.
On October 11th Rep. Hausman and District 31B State Representative Ken Tschumper will co-host a community forum in Lanesboro to discuss asset-based infrastructure investments and long-term economic development priorities for southeastern Minnesota communities. The agenda will include the reconstruction of State Highway 52, funding for public transit in the region, opportunities presented to the region by links to LaCrosse, Wisconsin and high-speed rail between Minneapolis and Chicago, the expansion and maintenance of the region's bike trails, investment in tourism, and more.
Rep. Tschumper, who represents Houston and Fillmore counties, is working closely with Hausman to ensure that all of his constituent's concerns are heard and considered – specifically on the issue of State Highway 52.
"Anybody who drives on the 25-mile stretch of 52 south of Rochester knows it needs to be fixed immediately," said Rep. Tschumper. "The condition of Highway 52 is particularly harmful for the strength of our area businesses. An outdated two-lane highway just isn't cutting it for the amount of traffic that it supports nowadays, and it's time for the state to do something about it."
Rep. Tschumper cited the fact that Mayo Clinic is actually paying for bus services to pick up its employees in southeastern Minnesota communities because so few transit options exist. In fact, Mayo Clinic pays $100 per month for each employee that uses this service. According to a Mayo spokesperson, this costs the Clinic over $200,000 per month – which totals around $2.4 million per year.
The community forum will take place at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 11th in the council chambers at the Lanesboro Community Center. All residents of southeastern Minnesota are invited to attend. Along with testimony from county and local officials, an open mic will be provided for citizens to voice their opinions and concerns.
News Items
- Hausman receives 2012 Sierra Club Legislative Leadership Award - (Posted: 2012-10-19 00:00:00)
- NEWS STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF BONDING BILL - (Posted: 2012-05-07 00:00:00)
- House passes bonding bill that makes strategic investments throughout the state - (Posted: 2012-05-07 00:00:00)
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