Minn. DFL delegation looking for help in D.C.
DFL legislative leaders are in the nation's Capitol this week, to celebrate the inauguration of a new president and to make sure Minnesota gets its fair share of federal aid.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Majority Leader Tony Sertich say they have meetings planned with members of the state congressional delegation to discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill.
The proposed $825 billion federal package is aimed at boosting the economy through tax cuts and targeted investments.
The state is facing a $4.8 billion budget deficit, and House Republican Minority Leader Marty Seifert said he thinks DFLers might be counting too much on federal help.
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"I'm excited for the new administration. But at the end of the day, I don't think the federal government is going to bail out the state government, nor should it. We've got to make tough decisions," Seifert said.
It is not clear how much money Minnesota might get, but Sertich said every bit helps.
"Federal resources maximized by the state government and local units of government is smart government. There's transparency. There's accountability. And there's a pooling of resources to make sure we get our best bang for our buck. And so Minnesotans should know that while this is not the complete answer, it's going to help in the short and long term recovery of the state," Sertich said.
Sertich said further discussions about the federal economic stimulus package are planned next week in Minnesota.
He said members of the congressional delegation will attend committee hearings January 29 at the State Capitol.
