INVESTing IN people and the infrastructure to empower them
highway 65
Jerry secured funding for the Main Street and Highway 65 bridge and for studies to analyze future intersection needs. He is currently on track to secure $25 million in state funding for 99th Ave, $85 million for 109th Ave, and $30 million for 117th Ave; where bridges are sorely needed. These are some of the most dangerous intersections in the State
railroad intersections
He was able to secure funding for the Hanson Boulevard bridge over the railroad tracks in Coon Rapids and is seeking funding for a bridge over the railroad tracks in Coon Rapids on Foley Boulevard. This significantly improves safety as emergency services no longer have to wait for passing trains.
RESTORE HYDROELECTRIC POWER TO THE COON RAPIDS DAM
Jerry's 30 years of work on the Coon Rapids Dam commission led to the dam's restoration and preservation as a barrier to Asian Carp migration, making it the last barrier to carp on the Mississippi. The next step is to restore the dam's power generation capability. Jerry is excited to announce recent developments in the plan to re-electrify the dam. With his continued lead on the project, the dam will be retrofitted to produce 10 mega-watts, enough to power 20,000 homes while also providing the area with a stable source of revenue.
national sports center
Jerry has been a prominent voice to secure funds to keep the National Sports Center running and to help them expand their facilities and operations. This has included $4 million to build a new maintenance building and millions of dollars to help maintain the Center's unique facilities for the kids of Blaine, and to make Blaine a worldly destination. In the 2022 bonding bill, Jerry hopes to direct $19.2 million for a adaptive athletic facility, $4.5 million to construct rugby fields, and $4.2 million to construct solar panels on the roof of the facility, which will make the complex energy independent.
anoka ramsey community college
Jerry understands the importance of community colleges in our community. They serve as a great way for students who are looking for a quality, convenient, and economical option to gain skills for their future. This is why he volunteered as a professor at ARCC and has worked to secure $16.4 million for the nursing school and the College as a whole.
blaine emergency operations center
Jerry was able to secure $29.5 million for a new State Emergency Operations Center in Blaine. Minnesota’s State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activates during times of disaster or emergency. It serves as the hub for state agencies and their partners to support local governments and coordinate response efforts. Having an efficient and effective facility is key to successful emergency and disaster response.
social security tax exemption
Jerry voted to support a tax bill, which if passed this session, includes a provision increasing the amount of social security deductible to 100 percent of income. This means that senior's social security income, which for many is their only income, will no longer be taxed by the State. Jerry voted for this as a means to help increase the independence and wealth of seniors.
disabled veterans
Jerry continues to fight for funding to construct new and improve existing housing for veterans; a special priority of his being expanding capacity at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. In the 2022 session he introduced a bill that increases the exclusion amount of disabled veterans' homes to 100 percent of their home's value. This will decrease the tax burden on disabled veterans and allow them to keep more money in their pocket.
