Facilities authority would pave the way for the investment Minnesota needs to stay competitive.
March 31, 2007
StarTribune
Walter Mondale and Arne Carlson
We have experienced the thrill of day-to-day politics, the stimulation of working with colleagues, building coalitions and, at times, arguing with opponents. Yet we find the most exciting times in political life are when an innovative idea emerges, a concept that feeds a vision worthy of our values as Minnesotans.
One such idea is the Minnesota Biomedical Sciences Research Facilities Authority, a proposal at the Minnesota Legislature. It is a new and daring idea that commits to a 10-year investment in up to four sophisticated research facilities to house top-ranked researchers who will advance knowledge and improve health.
It takes courage to embrace changes in the way things always have been done. We are truly delighted that the state Senate passed this proposal last week by a vote of 56 to 9. We are optimistic that the House will join its colleagues and agree that this initiative is critical to retaining our leadership in the biomedical science industry.