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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
Press/News Releases
LAWMAKERS REACH AGREEMENT ON I35W SURVIVOR COMPENSATION FUND
ST. PAUL - State Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL - Golden Valley/St. Louis Park) joined State Sen. Ron Latz (DFL - Golden Valley/St. Louis Park/Hopkins) and other lawmakers this morning, announcing a final agreement on an I35W Survivor Compensation Fund. After several weeks of negotiation, the final state package (HF2553) awards $38 million in state compensation to survivors of last summer's bridge collapse.
"What happened last summer was both tragic and unprecedented," said Rep. Winkler. "We can never change what happened last August. But the bill we have carefully crafted over the course of the last nine months will provide survivors of this tragedy with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and move forward."
The $38 million compensation fund allows each victim to receive up to $400 thousand each. A supplemental $12.64 million fund will be available for the most severely injured to recover uncompensated medical expenses, long-term health costs, and lost wages. Funds will be appropriated to survivors of the collapse by a three-member panel of special masters. The Minnesota Supreme Court will appoint these special masters will by June 30th of this year. By opting into the Fund, survivors of the bridge collapse will waive their right to sue the state for compensatory damages.
"The state was responsible for maintaining that bridge's structural integrity and ensuring its safety for the public," said Rep. Winkler. "The state failed, and innocent people are suffering the consequences. Whatever the cause of the bridge collapse, it is the state's responsibility to help them recover."
The House and Senate conference committee members shook hands on a deal late Thursday night - on the nine-month anniversary of the I35W Bridge collapse - ending weeks of negotiations on how to best compensate the 145 people who were injured and the families of the 13 who were killed.
"This agreement includes the best of both proposals," said Winkler. "It provides the survivors with the compensation they deserve without exposing the state to future liability. I am very pleased that members of the House and Senate were able to come to such a solid agreement on how to address this tragedy responsibly."
The bill will now move for a final vote on the floor of the House and Senate before it is sent to Governor Pawlenty for final approval.
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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