Associated Press
ST. PAUL — Two bills requiring Northwest Airlines to forfeit airport rent reductions and speed up repayment of a $245 million loan have cleared a Minnesota House panel.
The legislation would come into play if Northwest’s Eagan headquarters are closed and jobs are lost in the merger with Delta.
The House Commerce and Labor Committee approved both bills on voice votes, without audible opposition.
They face at least two more committee stops before heading to the House floor.
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Representative Joe Atkins says Northwest got state help in exchange for promising to maintain a headquarters, hub and certain level of jobs in Minnesota.
His bill might put Northwest on the hook for damages caused by a reduced presence in Minnesota, but Atkins says he’s not sure if that provision would come into play.
