startribune.comI hold no illusions about politics moving fast. Yet, in this situation, there are immediate needs, that require immediate attention, where revenue and funding are something to be dealt with after the fact.
Five weeks after a major bridge collapsed and three weeks after floods ravaged southeastern Minnesota, a special session of the Legislature to deal with the dual tragedies remained just out of reach Friday.
The flooding in Southeastern Minnesota needs to be addressed now, without concern for revenue or bonding. It takes precedence over infrastructure for the moment.
I understand the need to rebuild the I35W bridge over the Mississippi is pressing, with an economic cost due to re-routed traffic, it's effect on business, and the extra strain on the environment due to gas consumption. But people in Southeastern Minnesota are without homes, without businesses, without basic supplies. Get them help, and let's not haggle over the costs.
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