Support for Complete Streets Headed to Governor's Office

WHAT:

5,000 postcards urging signature of Complete Streets legislation will be delivered to Governor Tim Pawlenty on Monday, April 26.

A parade of 50 children, seniors, students, and disabled citizens – all supporters of the legislation – will leave the offices of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (546 Rice Street) at 12:00 p.m., proceeding three blocks to the State Capitol, with the 5,000 postcards in tow.  Crossing guards from Red Pine Elementary in Eagan will lead the parade of pedestrians, bicyclists, disabled persons, and a 6th grade class from St. Paul's Franklin Elementary.

Complete Streets legislation overwhelmingly passed the Minnesota House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 on a 92-37 vote.  The bill, which is awaiting action in the Senate, would make roads safer and more accessible for all Minnesotans, regardless of age or ability or whether traveling by car, bus, bike or on foot.

WHEN:

12:00 p.m. - Monday, April 26, 2010

Complete Streets Parade leaves MEP offices

12:15 p.m. - Complete Streets Parade arrives at Governor's Office.

WHERE:

Parade Begins: 546 Rice Street, St. Paul (MEP Offices)

Parade Ends:  Outside the Office of Governor Pawlenty

WHO:

-Jene' Leiner, an Inver Grove Heights mother of three young children

-Antonia Kurtz, first year Hamline University student

-Bill authors Sen. Tony Lourey, DFL–Kerrick, Rep. Mike Obermueller, DFL-Eagan

-Sen. Mike Jungbauer, R- East Bethel

WHY:

In the past decade, more than 500 pedestrians and bicyclists have been killed, and another 20,000 injured on Minnesota roads.