Call For Special Session For Flood Relief

08/21/2007

The following letter was delivered to Governor Tim Pawlenty on August 20, 2007.


August 20, 2007

The Honorable Tim Pawlenty
Governor, State of Minnesota
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155

Dear Governor Pawlenty:


We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you call a special session of the Legislature to provide flood relief to Southeastern Minnesota. This natural disaster has caused widespread damage and tragically claimed the lives of at least six citizens.

The damage in Winona, Wabasha, Fillmore, Houston, Steele and Olmsted counties is substantial and people need immediate and long-term assistance.

The waters have washed out roads, destroyed bridges and swept houses away.

We applaud the work of the Red Cross, citizens, and relief organizations, and we ask your help to allow us to do our part in aiding the victims of this flood by convening the Legislature.

We appreciate your quick response to declare a state of emergency and your visit to the devastated area. We hope that you will consider calling the Legislature back to the Capitol after the damage is assessed to allow us to provide aid and relief to the victims of this disaster.


Sincerely,


Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes
District 31


Sen. Ann Lynch
District 30