Release details of your bonding plan for state construction projects — that’s the message to Republicans from Governor Mark Dayton and Democratic leaders with under three weeks until the legislature adjourns. Dayton says about a top Republican’s comments that bonding is “dessert” at the end of the session. “To me, this is part of the main course. Having a bonding bill is essential.” Dayton points to water infrastructure, higher ed buildings and other projects that he says will create thousands of jobs. A spokeswoman for House Republican leaders tweeted, “Let’s prioritize how we allocate existing resources for transportation and tax relief before turning to borrowing.”
House Republicans have proposed a $600-million bonding bill, less than half the amount in Dayton’s plan ($1.4 billion) and Senate Democrats’ package ($1.5 billion). Republican leaders also say a substantial part of the package will be earmarked for transportation. Democrats respond that won’t leave nearly enough money to address other pressing needs across the state.