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State Representative Tony Cornish
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4240
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS RELEASE
CORNISH SUPPORTS EMINENT DOMAIN LEGISLATION
ST. PAUL – By a vote of 115-17, the Minnesota House of Representatives has eminent domain legislation that specifically defines when local governments can seize a private property owner’s land. State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) voted in favor of the proposal.
“Eminent domain should be used for public projects, such as roads, parks and government buildings,” Cornish said. “But it would be irresponsible for a city to take property from one private citizen and give it to another simply on the promise of increased tax revenue. No one’s home, farm, or small business would be safe under those guidelines.”
Cornish said the bill was necessary after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that governments could take private property for economic development purposes.
The eminent domain legislation gives a specific definition of “public use.” It would limit eminent domain to property that will be owned by the government, used for the functioning of public service corporations – like utilities or railroads, or to remedy blighted, environmentally contaminated or abandoned land.
Cornish also noted that the group Minnesotans for Eminent Domain Reform estimates that in a 5 year period, there were roughly 92 abuses of eminent domain in Minnesota.
“Job creation is not a viable reason to force family members from their home,” Cornish said. “Eminent domain abuse has happened in the past, and I hope that abuse will drop significantly once this legislation becomes law. Cities, counties and townships might have some initial reservations to this bill, but I believe it is workable and will not be a hindrance to sensible and fair eminent domain actions.”
Cornish said the Minnesota Senate has approved a similar eminent domain bill, and the differences will be worked out in a House/Senate conference committee.
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