Walz Calls on Pawlenty to Convene Special Session

Press Release

WALZ CALLS ON PAWLENTY TO CONVENE SPECIAL SESSION

Washington, Sep 10 - - In a letter sent today, U.S. Congressman Tim Walz called on Governor Tim Pawlenty to build on the "quick and efficient" initial response of state and local officials and emergency personnel to the floods in southeastern Minnesota by calling the Minnesota Legislature into special session.

Walz, who represents all seven of the flood-affected counties, relayed concerns from local officials who are eager to begin rebuilding their communities, but who are having difficulty doing so without "a clear message from the legislature about the nature and extent of the state's commitment to the recovery."

Walz said that the uncertainty about the state's role in the rebuilding has made it more difficult for local officials to plan for the future. For example, he noted that many federal aid programs require matching funds from state or local governments before any federal funding can be provided. Without clear direction from the state as to whether financial assistance will be forthcoming, Walz said, local governments are unable to move forward with their recovery plans.

"The initial local, state and federal response to this disaster was strong and well-coordinated," said Walz. "That makes it all the more important that the rebuilding phase begin immediately. It is imperative that the state legislature move quickly to decide what will be the extent of the state's assistance to these seven counties, and I urge Governor Pawlenty to call the legislature back to work to make those critical decisions."

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