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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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WINKLER SUPPORTS FLOOD RELIEF PASSAGE, PLEDGES RESULTS ON TRANSPORTATION
ST. PAUL – Late Tuesday night, Rep. Ryan Winkler and his legislative colleagues voted unanimously to secure $157 million in flood relief funding for southeastern Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty signed the bill into law early Wednesday morning. State agencies will now begin the process of distributing the funds to local governments and individuals over the course of the coming days and weeks.
"Thousands of SE Minnesota residents experienced devastating flooding in one of the worst natural disasters the region has experienced in decades. They needed our help," said Rep. Winkler. "I'm glad that we were able to come together as a Legislature and provide the funding necessary to rebuild their communities."
Included in the relief package is direct assistance for individuals, businesses, infrastructure repair and reconstruction, debris removal, and more.
While Rep. Winkler was pleased with the flood relief package for southeastern Minnesota, he was disappointed that the Legislature was not able to address the need for a comprehensive transportation package in the wake of the I35W bridge collapse.
"We can't forget that a bridge fell down this summer," said Winkler. "The primary work for the fall and into next session is to thoroughly investigate the causes of the I35W bridge collapse and compensate its victims."
Winkler continued, "We need to then pass a transportation funding package to address safety, reduce congestion, and expand transit options. We can't wait any longer to address the current, glaring needs of our roads, bridges, and transit systems."
Winkler is not alone in this sentiment. There is a strong collective will among Democratic legislators to deliver a comprehensive transportation package.
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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