Invoking the names of Jack Jablonski and Gabe Rodreick, young Minnesotans who suffered spinal cord injuries, two state legislators are proposing an $8 million grant program for spinal cord and brain injury research.
Sen. Jeff Hayden, DFL-Minneapolis, and Rep. Laurie Halverson, DFL-Eagan, plan to introduce a bill this week that would direct $4 million each in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 from the state's general fund.
Jablonski suffered a spinal cord injury more than a year ago during a high school hockey game. Rodreick suffered a spinal cord injury in a body surfing accident during an exchange trip in Costa Rica.
PAM LOUWAGIE
