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State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
Rep. Jeanne Poppe hails the inclusion of funding for local projects in House bonding package
We received very good news for our district this week at the Capitol. The bonding projects I introduced for our area were included in the House Capital Investment bill that was released on Wednesday. These projects will not only address some much needed improvements and enhancements for our district but they will also create jobs. I am very excited about the bipartisan support that was demonstrated in working out this bill. It is a clear indication that the legislature is taking a positive step forward.
A total of $4 million was included in the bonding bill for flood hazard mitigation and flood relief DEED. Of the $2 million that was designated for flood relief, the city of Austin will receive $800,000, $600,000 will go to Albert Lea, $400,000 to Freeborn County and $200,000 will go to Blooming Prairie. This money will go a long way toward restoring these areas that were devastated by flood waters, and will help better prepare us against future flooding. The amount for the Flood Hazard Mitigation was also $2 million, bringing the total amount for the flood package to $4 million in the bonding bill.
We were also extremely pleased to receive $5.1 million for the Riverland CTC Science lab improvements. As a counselor at Riverland, this is a project that is near and dear to my heart. Strengthening and improving our institutions of higher education is a very high priority and is key to the continued growth of our state.
Last, but certainly not least, we were happy to receive $450,000 for the Shooting Star Trail, one of our precious historic resources. Along with the technology and science needed for the future is the need to preserve and protect our environment. I am happy this will be done for the Shooting Star Trail.
These projects have been included in the House bonding bill, which is often referred to as a jobs bill. This is where money is designated for projects such as roads and bridges, environmental concerns and acquisition and higher education campus improvements.
The Ways and Means Committee considered the House Capital Investment bill on Thursday night. I am happy to report that no changes were made to our funding. The final step in the House will be a vote on the floor, scheduled right now for next Tuesday. Following this vote the Conference Committee will work out any differences between the Senate bill and the House bill, arriving at the final bill that will again be voted on.
Although our funding could still be altered at the time of the final vote or in Conference Committee, I remain very optimistic that we will receive the funds we need to move these projects forward.
One of the challenges of my new schedule is to try and keep on top of all of my commitments and responsibilities. To help me do that, I rely on good communication within my office. Because of an unfortunate lapse this week, I missed the opportunity to meet with a group of students from Pacelli High School. While they were waiting for me at the Capitol, I was in my office, not realizing their visit was scheduled. Welcoming visitors to the Capitol is very important to me and I sincerely regret missing the opportunity to meet with these students. As with every mistake, a lesson is learned. I will do my best to remedy this situation by improving the lines of communication within my office so that this doesn't happen again. I want to encourage people to visit me here, and I will do my best to adjust my schedule to allow me to spend some time with you.
Please feel free to call or write if you have ideas or concerns you want to share about state or local issues. I can be reached by phone at 1-888-682-3180 or 1-651-296-4193, by mail at 231 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn.
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
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