SAINT PAUL, MN—On the same day that Democrat leaders released new plans for the state’s general obligation bonding bill, Republican House and Senate members outlined what they would like to see from the state’s “borrowing bill.”
Infrastructure, roads, and building maintenance priorities are the things we should prioritize first,” said Tony Albright (R-Prior Lake). Republicans outlined a proposal that would meet the agreed-upon limit of $846M in total borrowing. The proposal includes fully funding the state’s Capitol restoration at $126M, road & bridge repair at $300M, and $69M for the Lewis & Clark drinking water line for Western Minnesota. The proposal also includes over $200M in “projects to be agreed upon by the four leaders and Governor.”
Rep. Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) asked, “Why is it that you have to borrow $1 Billion, and spend it on things like ski-chalets, before you provide drinking water to bone-dry towns in greater Minnesota?” Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) added, “The Democrats who control all branches of government in the state have once again showed that they are not up to the task of showing self-control, or ability to prioritize when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars.”
The bonding bill requires a three-fifths supermajority to pass the legislature. If all Democrats vote for the bill, two Republicans in the Senate, and eight in the House are needed to pass it to the Governor.
“What you are seeing from Democrats today is a cry for help,” said Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), the GOP Lead on the House Capital Investment committee. “It’s kinda like they went to Cub for a loaf of bread & got stuck in the candy aisle. We’re just here to remind them where the bread’s at.”
All the legislators pledged to work with their Democrat counterparts to find the right balance to earn Republican support. “After three years of a “nothing or everything” approach, Minnesotans are frustrated and demanding responsible solutions,” Albright concluded.