State lawmakers heard four hours of public testimony Tuesday as they try to resurrect a bonding bill for state construction projects that failed in the final minutes of the legislative session. MN-DOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle objects to money Republicans earmarked specifically for upgrades of Highways 14, 23 and 12, saying “they are not transparent, they are inefficient and they go against the findings of your own legislative auditor.” But New Ulm Mayor Robert Beussman points to dangerous sections on Highway 14. He says probably the most difficult funeral he did as a chaplain was for a husband and wife killed on that road and added, “Don’t think we ever found out who the driver of the truck was, because there was nothing left in the fiery blaze.”
Governor Mark Dayton and legislative leaders meet this morning to try to move forward on a bonding bill. Dayton says he will not call a special session unless Republican leaders agree to include a list of projects and programs he wants in a bonding package. Republicans say Dayton is refusing to compromise. The governor responds he’s willing to negotiate but wants leverage he did not have in the harried closing hours of the 2016 regular session.