Politics & Government

The Ellison Report: Supporting Light Rail

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) applauds federal light rail approval.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) applauded the Federal Transit Administration’s support for the Southwest Corridor light rail line linking Eden Prairie and Minneapolis.

The agency’s approval gives the go-ahead to begin the preliminary engineering phase. Minneapolis Public Radio reported that the approval doesn’t come with federal money—but added that it’s important because the Metropolitan Council expects the federal government to pick up half of the project’s $1.25 billion dollar cost.

In a news release, Ellison noted his long support for the Southwest line, including his help securing $534,000 for the project in 2009.

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“This is great news for Minnesotans and for the state’s economy,” Ellison said. “The Southwest Light Rail Transit line will not only serve hundreds of thousands of working Minnesotans, but will create much-needed jobs. Projects like these are what Americans expect of their government: green, cost-effective investments that create jobs, and help grow our economy. I will push in this Congress and beyond to make sure we continue to fund this vital project.”

Ellison is also getting in on the presidential debate. The Minnesota congressman took to Twitter following news that Republican frontrunner Texas Gov. Rick Perry called Social Security a Ponzi scheme:

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Gov Perry did you know that 52 million Americans receive social security every month? 36M are seniors; 7.5M are disabled under 65.


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