Rep. Mary Franson supports disaster relief assistance package

State Representative Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) joined the majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives in approving a disaster relief package that will assist flood and storm victims in northern and central Minnesota.

“This bill dedicates funds to help residents and business owners recover, and helps restore damaged roads and bridges,” Franson said. “We also have added some new reforms that will ensure we’re spending the money only for disaster relief.”

Franson said the nearly $168 million proposal will assist with rebuilding and recovery efforts in 19 Minnesota counties.

Franson said greater accountability is provided in the legislation, including stricter requirements for loans provided by the Minnesota Investment Fund; requiring that all Minnesota Investment Fund dollars be used only for recovery, not economic development projects; ensuring that disaster relief does not impede paying back the school shift enacted by previous Legislatures; and returning any unspent money to Minnesota’s General Fund.

Tags: local news, state news, news, assistance, disaster