In a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Kerry and Secretary of Commerce Pritzker, Minnesota lawmakers highlight state’s innovative economy, welcoming community, and accomplishments in promoting health and wellness

 

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, the Minnesota congressional delegation urged support for Minnesota’s bid to host the 2023 World’s Fair. In a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, the Minnesota lawmakers highlighted the state’s innovative economy, welcoming community, and many accomplishments in promoting health and wellness.

“Minnesota’s Expo 2023 is a strong candidate to host the World’s Fair,” the lawmakers wrote. “It will foster an exchange of ideas, encourage new global partnerships and advance innovation in health and wellness that will benefit the state, country and world. We urge full and fair consideration of a recommendation that the bid is in the national interest.”

The full text of the letter, which was signed by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, John Kline, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz, Rick Nolan, Erik Paulsen, and Tom Emmer, is below:

 

Dear Secretary Kerry and Secretary Pritzker:

 

We write in support of Minnesota’s bid to host the World’s Fair in 2023. Hosting the World’s Fair in the United States for the first time since 1984 will strengthen U.S. economic leadership around the world. As a global leader in health, the theme of “Wellness and Well-Being for All” will highlight Minnesota’s many accomplishments in promoting health and wellness.

 

Minnesota is home to a welcoming community and an innovative economy. Every year we host hundreds of thousands of international visitors who come as students, patients, tourists, or on business. These global ties help to fuel our economic growth. Minnesota has a strong history of innovation. Our universities and companies are constantly bringing new products and services to the market which help people live healthier lives. Of all the states, Minnesota has the second most Fortune 500 companies per capita and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region offers many exciting opportunities to showcase the creative work these companies are doing that drives our economy forward.

 

Minnesota’s leading institutions have come together to ensure that visitors will experience firsthand our history, culture and recreational activities. The robust transportation network will easily bring people to and from our venues, including the University of Minnesota, State Fair Grounds, stadiums and parks throughout the region. Visitors from across the globe will have a unique chance to explore our state’s accomplishments in health, medicine, and wellness.

 

Minnesota’s Expo 2023 is a strong candidate to host the World’s Fair. It will foster an exchange of ideas, encourage new global partnerships and advance innovation in health and wellness that will benefit the state, country and world. We urge full and fair consideration of a recommendation that the bid is in the national interest. We thank you for considering this request and look forward to working with you.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

###