Dear neighbor,
Today the House released our 2013 bonding proposal. The bill includes funding for building projects across the state, as well as critical infrastructure improvements to roads, bridges, dams and flood mitigation.
I am very excited that the House bonding bill includes my proposal to fund the Southwest Light Rail (SWLRT) Corridor project. The Southwest Corridor project has been on hold for several years due to lack of funding, and now is the time to invest in this project to create jobs, boost economic growth and improve transportation for residents of the southwest metro suburbs.
In total, the bonding bill is estimated to create 22,800 jobs across Minnesota, based on figures from the Associated General Contractors of America. With historically low interest rates (2.06%), the current economic climate is great for bonding. To maximize the impact of tax dollars it makes sense to pass a large bonding bill before inflation is once again on the rise.
In addition to the SWLRT, the bonding bill includes funding for a new fire alarm system at Normandale Community College. This initiative will bring campus buildings up to fire code. The bill also invests in asset preservation, making crucial repairs to the State Capitol and buildings owned by MnSCU, the University of Minnesota, and state agencies. Many of these repairs have been neglected or put off for years, and addressing them now will save taxpayers in the long-term by avoiding more serious problems from serious neglect.
I support the bonding proposal because it will create jobs and boost economic growth. For these same reasons, the bonding proposal has received strong support from Minnesota’s business community. Many local chambers of commerce, including the Minneapolis Regional, the Saint Paul Area, the TwinWest, and Eden Prairie have voiced strong support for the bill because of the investments it makes in transit and SWLRT. Investing in high-quality public infrastructure is needed to support commerce, economic development and a competitive business atmosphere.
I am hopeful that the Southwest Light Rail Corridor and Normandale Community College projects will be included in the final version of the bill. As we work on legislation at the Capitol, I ask for your continued input on these issues. Please contact me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-7803 or by email at rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn. Please contact me anytime I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Paul Rosenthal
State Representative
Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Minnetonka