The House author of a compensation proposal for victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse said on Monday that he welcomes Gov. Tim Pawlenty's comments indicating that he may support more relief aid for the tragedy's "extraordinary cases."
Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, said the governor may be trying to help legislators reach a compromise between House and Senate proposals. Under Winkler's plan, which won overwhelming House approval, a nearly $40 million fund would be created for the victims. A competing proposal, which caps individual awards at $400,000 and sets aside $26.5 million for victims, was endorsed unanimously by the Senate last week.
The governor also said he supports the $400,000 individual cap.
"Gov. Pawlenty generally favors the Senate approach, but is interested in working with House and Senate conferees to find a solution," said Brian McClung, Pawlenty's spokesman.
"It's good that [Pawlenty] recognizes that the people most severely injured by this would really be left out by a $300,000 or $400,000 cap," said Winkler. He said Pawlenty's proposal for the worst-off victims would not be necessary under the House legislation.
Winkler, who is chairing the first meeting of House-Senate conferees to try to reach a compromise, said he plans to hold an initial session next week.
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