St. Paul, MN - Earlier today, the Minnesota Legislature passed the remainder of the state budget in a special session. Representative Dan Wolgamott (DFL - St. Cloud) not only played a lead role in crafting Minnesota’s new Higher Education Budget as the Co-Chair of the House’s Higher Education Committee, but also secured key investments for St. Cloud and the surrounding communities.
“I’m proud of all we accomplished for St. Cloud during the most bipartisan session in Minnesota House history,” said Rep. Wolgamott. “Our key achievements will get more police officers on our streets, tackle the healthcare workforce shortages, attract and incentivize developers to downtown St. Cloud, and provide much-needed renovations to the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Working across the aisle in divided government isn’t easy, but these bipartisan victories will make St. Cloud an even better place to live, work, and raise a family!”
In the Capital Investment Bonding Bill, Rep. Wolgamott secured $12.9 million to update the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. The same legislation invests $1.3 million for the infrastructure needs of St. Cloud Technical and Community College. Rep. Wolgamott also successfully fought for St. Cloud’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to be included in the Tax Bill, enabling the city to redevelop old buildings, improve infrastructure, and attract more businesses, recreation, and housing opportunities.
In Rep. Wolgamott’s Higher Education Budget, $1.5 million is appropriated to the partnership between the University of Minnesota Medical School and CentraCare for the St. Cloud Medical School. Rep. Wolgamott also worked with public safety leaders to address Minnesota’s peace officer shortage by establishing a Law Enforcement Scholarship Program, covering the tuition of eligible students within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System studying to either become or improve themselves as peace officers.
Video of the special session can be found on the House Public Information YouTube channel.
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