Minnesota Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) has been named the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities’ (CGMC) Legislator of Distinction for Economic Development. Senator Jasinski was presented with the award at a ceremony on July 29 in Alexandria. Sen. Jasinski, a Republican from Faribault, is serving his second term in the Minnesota Senate. The Legislator of Distinction Award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding session.
“As a former mayor and city council member, I have an in-depth knowledge of the challenges that local governments face when it comes to economic development,” said Senator Jasinski, who chairs the Senate’s Local Government Committee. “I am proud of the work we have done over the years to make sure cities throughout Minnesota are in a position to create jobs, thrive, and keep their economic engines churning at full speed.”
Senator Jasinski has been a longtime advocate for economic development throughout the state. He developed the innovative AIR grant program, which generates economic development surrounding local and regional airports across Minnesota, has been the chief author of funding for the Business Development Public Infrastructure program, which utilizes infrastructure improvements for economic development in communities outside the metro area, and has carried funding for workforce development and job growth programs, particularly for STEM and other high-demand fields.
CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. CGMC’s mission is to develop viable, progressive communities for businesses and families through strong economic growth and good local government. CGMC supports fair property taxes, good land use planning, sensible environmental regulation, a balanced transportation system, and effective economic development tools to meet that goal.
Photo attachment: Senator Jasinski receives his award from CGMC President and Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka.