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The collapsed I-35W bridge. (MPR Photo/Mark Zdechlik)
House passes bill to compensate bridge survivors
February 28, 2008
St. Paul, Minn. — (AP) - The Minnesota House has approved a $40 million fund to compensate victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse. The vote was 120-10.
The debate came on the same day lawmakers learned the state's projected budget shortfall has grown to $935 million. That means they're facing some difficult decisions.
As representatives debated the bill, some survivors and their supporters watched from the gallery.
The House bill would not cap individual awards. In contrast, the version that's in committee in the Senate would limit payments to $400,000 per victim.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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- Governor and legislators announce I-35W victims relief fund (11/29/2007)
- Lawmakers to weigh fairness of compensating bridge victims (11/08/2007)
- Who will pay when the lawsuits begin? (08/13/2007)
- Aid plan for bridge collapse victims takes shape (01/17/2008)
- Rising country star pens song for 35W bridge benefit CD (02/20/2008)
- Survivors of bridge collapse still healing in body and soul (10/14/2007)
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