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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL)

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Kahn Agrees with Dayton: U of MN is Big Priority for Bonding Bill

Friday, January 17, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – This week, Governor Mark Dayton unveiled a $986 million statewide bonding proposal designed to create over 27,000 jobs and improve Minnesota’s public infrastructure.

State Representative Phyllis Kahn (DFL – Minneapolis) says the proposal invests significant resources in her district, which encompasses the University of Minnesota’s east and west bank campuses.

“I’m pleased the Governor chose to prioritize Minnesota’s public colleges and universities in his proposal,” said Kahn. “The University of Minnesota is an invaluable asset to our state. We need to make sure students have access to a top-notch learning environment right now and into the future.”

In addition to devoting $40 million for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEARPR) to the entire University of Minnesota system, for the purpose of repairs and maintenance to existing facilities, the Governor is recommending $56.7 million for renovating and updating the Tate Laboratory of Physics.

Dayton’s proposal also includes $12 million for targeted investments in research laboratory space on the Twin Cities campuses, with the aim of making improvements to the bee laboratory, greenhouses, and aquatic invasive species research center.

“These kinds of investments will help drive new groundbreaking research and build on our state’s reputation as a leader in science and technology,” added Kahn.

The veteran lawmaker says Governor Dayton’s bonding proposal is a good starting point for what is shaping up to be a major focus of upcoming Legislative Session, which kicks off on February 25. At that time, members of the House Capital Investment Committee will begin shaping their own bonding bill for consideration by the entire chamber.

In addition to pushing for investments in the University of Minnesota, Kahn is sponsoring legislation to renovate and expand the Brian Coyle Community Center located on Minneapolis’ West Bank.

“I’m hopeful we can get that project into the House bonding bill,” said Kahn. “It’s a tremendous resource for our New American community.”

Rep. Kahn encourages her constituents to contact her with any questions, comments, or other feedback ahead of the 2014 Legislative Session. She can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4257, by email at rep.phyllis.kahn@house.mn, or by postal mail at 365 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55155.