DFL lawmakers introduce 'People's Bailout'
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DFL lawmakers have introduced a legislative package aimed at helping Minnesotans weather the current economic crisis.
The "People's Bailout" bill would temporarily lift a five-year limit on welfare benefits, extend unemployment benefits and attempt to reduce home foreclosures, especially in rental properties.
In addition, the bill would direct anticipated federal stimulus money to a state job creation effort, and urge officials with the state and University of Minnesota to minimize employee layoffs.
Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, says the bill is about getting people back to work.
"I quite frankly don't think we're going to be able to buy our way out of this thing, but we can certainly work our way out of it," said Tomassoni. "And if people aren't working, it's counter-productive to getting out of the recession."
Neither Tomassoni, nor the bill's House author, Rep. David Bly, DFL-Northfield, could estimate the cost of the proposal.
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