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State Representative Andrew Falk
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4228
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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PAWLENTY VETO TAKES THE WIND OUT FROM UNDER CANBY TURBINE
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Pawlenty’s veto pen eliminated $200,000 in planning and design funding for the installation of a commercial-scale wind turbine at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. State Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL – Murdock), called the Governor’s veto misguided.
“This is a missed opportunity," said Rep. Falk. “With interest rates at historic lows and project bids coming in 30 percent lower than expected, now was the time to make this important economic and academic investment for our students. I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has yet again failed to see the merit in thinking ahead.”
Minnesota West is not alone. The Governor’s $319 million in line-item vetoes to the state’s bonding bill (HF2700) included $144 million in cuts to infrastructure projects at higher education facilities. Falk argues that at this critical time for Minnesota’s economy, higher education institutions should not be bearing the brunt of the cuts.
“When so many out-of-work Minnesotans are going back to school to learn a trade, and prepare themselves for new, good-paying jobs, this is not the time to be cutting our schools,” said Rep. Andrew Falk. “This is the time to be building our schools.”
Minnesota West currently has a very strong wind energy curriculum, but Falk says that having a commercial-scale turbine as a training tool would only improve the program.
“By building the wind turbine, we would be able train our students here in Canby, while reducing energy costs at the College. It’s the kind of local economic progress quick, decisive legislative action can make happen – and the right thing to do to help revitalize our local economy.”
Rep. Falk has pledged to continue working on the project to ensure construction funding to finish the Canby project is included in next year’s bonding bill.
Along with the bonding bill, the House is looking at several initiatives to create jobs and support small businesses, including a bill to improve access to credit, reduce costly regulations and mandates, broaden access to technology, and help reduce energy costs.
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