St. Paul, MN—House Republicans successfully forced Democrats to table House File 2093 earlier today. The effort was part of a minority report offered by House Republicans. During debate on the minority report, House Republicans recounted intimidation tactics and abusive behavior from activists that were directed at members and House staff last week when the bill was heard in the House Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee.
Republican-lead on the committee and author of the minority report, Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville) issued the following statement regarding the bill’s tabling:
“Providing millions of dollars to a neighborhood group that has not filed the legally required tax and disclosure documents and for a project on land which they do not own was always a bad idea,” said Rep. Koznick. “This proposal was made worse when bill supporters employed abusive tactics aimed at intimidating legislators and House staff into supporting their project. This behavior follows a disturbing trend with this group, and others, as they continue to escalate these tactics. Bullying and threats of violence have no place in public discourse and their actions and the proposed legislation deserve condemnation from all of us.”
The original bill would provide a $20 million grant to the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) to convert the vacant Roof Depot site in Minneapolis into an urban farm, community center, and other developments. In January, the City of Minneapolis voted to demolish the building, remove contaminations and develop it themselves. EPNI has filed a lawsuit to stop the city from demolishing the building and that suit is still pending.
EPNI does not own the land, was unable to provide a business plan to legislators detailing their plans if given grant funding, and has failed to file updated 990 forms as required by law with the Attorney General’s office.
Last week, three Minneapolis City Council members filed police reports after being threatened by activists and the Star Tribune editorial board condemned tactics being used by the group.
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