Congresswoman McCollum Urges Governor Pawlenty to Accept Federal Funds to Ease Minnesota's State Fiscal Crisis

Press Release

President Obama signed the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act (H.R. 1586) into law hours after it was passed by the U.S. House last week. Congresswoman McCollum voted in favor of this critical jobs legislation that commits $26.1 billion in emergency assistance to states in order to save as many as 300,000 jobs nationwide. The legislation will prevent some 161,000 teachers from losing their jobs, including 2,800 teachers in Minnesota and over 440 teachers in the 4th Congressional District. The new law also provides $16.1 billion in health assistance for struggling states, which will create or save 158,000 jobs in law enforcement and the private sector.

Unfortunately Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty appears to be playing a political game by threatening to reject the federal dollars and send thousands of Minnesotans to the unemployment line. Congresswoman McCollum strongly urges Governor Pawlenty to approve this federal assistance, especially given that Minnesota's state budget is in crisis.

"The state's fiscal crisis is really hurting our communities, school districts, and families. For Governor Pawlenty to propose rejecting federal dollars that will save jobs, keep our public school teachers working in the classroom for our children, and provide essential safety-net services to the most vulnerable individuals is irresponsible and makes no sense," Congresswoman McCollum said. "Every dollar coming to Minnesota will help save jobs and strengthen the economy, which was exactly the intent of Congress."

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