ST. PAUL, MN — Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-Cedar), co-chairman of the Legislative Working Group on Mille Lacs Lake, issued the following statement today:
"During the first two meetings of the Legislative Working Group on Mille Lacs Lake on Tuesday and Wednesday, we heard from various stakeholders from the Mille Lacs area who emphasized that the solution to the issues surrounding Mille Lacs Lake are complex and cannot be solved with solely an economic relief package. We heard directly from community members in Isle - including citizens, resort owners, and business owners - who have clearly communicated to us that they are in need of a long-term solution to the ecological issues facing Lake Mille Lacs and that economic relief may even worsen the situation for some of the parties involved.
"Despite the fact the working group has met twice in one week, the Dayton Administration has failed to present a concrete proposal for a short-term economic relief package and a long-term solution for the issues surrounding Lake Mille Lacs. The working group has asked for both proposals in writing. We must keep in mind that a solution must expand beyond financial aid.
"As co-chair of the Legislative Working Group on Mille Lacs Lake, I'm sure Senator Tomassoni agrees with me that we remain committed to working in a bipartisan way to find the best solution for all involved. The Legislative Working Group on Mille Lacs Lake plans to meet next Thursday, August 13th at 10 a.m. We look forward to continuing to discuss all available options to best assist the Mille Lacs community as a whole."
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