Dear Neighbor, The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded a $49,998 grant to St. Cloud State University for a partnership with Park Industries! Located in St. Cloud, Park Industries is North America’s largest manufacturer of stone working equipment. The company is partnering with St. Cloud State University for a skills development program for 80 business leaders focused on collaboration and communications skills, executive transformation and Tri-Metrics Certification. Congratulations to SCSU and Park Industries on this grant, and I look forward to seeing the great things that come of this partnership! Extreme Cost of State Office Building RemodelMinnesota Management and Budget (MMB) revealed in a letter that the total cost of the loan for renovating the State Office Building, which houses offices for House members and staff, will be $730 million. Minnesota taxpayers will be charged $275 million in interest alone, which is nearly as much as the cost for the entire State Capitol restoration. Spending this amount of money for an office building for politicians is so irresponsible and completely out of touch with how Minnesotans want their tax dollars used. There were less costly alternatives to renovating and expanding the State Office Building, but the majority party insisted on following these extravagant plans. You can find a copy of the letter from MMB here. |