MN House passes bonding bill

The Minnesota House has approved a $1.9 billion dollar public infrastructure package for local jobs and projects around the state.

The legislation is split between a $1.5 billion bonding bill and a $393 million cash bill through the general fund.

The bonds will target everything from road and bridges to parks and college buildings.
The bill now heads to the Senate where it is less certain. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks says the bill is “dead on arrival” without tax cuts.

Johnson says there is GOP support for a bonding bill – but it’s a matter of priorities.  “What we want to do is have good infrastructure…but also be the type of state that attracts workers and employers.  You need that through lower taxes.  Right now we are not the destination place for people.”

Democrats hold a one vote majority in the Senate. It would take at least seven Republican votes to pass a bonding bill.