|
 |
Minnesota’s economy relies heavily on railroad transportation with farmers, rural utility coops and manufacturers dependent on freight rail for a majority of their shipments. Without access to competition for freight rail services, many of Minnesota’s shippers have been hit hard by devastating price increases and a severe decline in service that has far reaching effects on every facet of Minnesota’s economy. Examples of some of the industries that are most impacted include forest products, paper manufacturers, farmers, ethanol producers, fertilizer producers, grain elevators and electric utilities.
Gopher CURE is working to ensure that Minnesota’s rail customer issues are heard in the halls of Congress. To date, key members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation are supportive of legislation to address railroad issues, including Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN).
On March 5, 2009, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed S. 146, the "Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act", by a vote of 14-0. Gopher CURE applauds Sen. Klobuchar for her leadership in voting in favor of this important legislation.
For more information on Gopher CURE, click here or contact Amy Fredregill at amy.fredregill@cooperativenetwork.coop.
- Minn. Ag. Commissioner Leads State Governments in Push for Rail Reform
August 4, 2010
- Sen. Klobuchar votes in favor of S. 146
March 5, 2009
- Minnesota Association of Cooperatives Applauds
Rep. Juhnke for Rail Customer Resolution
July 21, 2008
- MN Attorney General: Time to put railroads under anti-trust
Bemidji Pioneer, January 25, 2008
- On this monopoly board, railroads are winning
St. Paul Pioneer Press, January 9, 2008
- Mark Glaess: Big Rail Hurts Rural Communities
Mankato Free Press, August 3, 2007
|
|
