SAINT PAUL – Today the Minnesota House of Representatives considered the House Jobs and Local Projects Plan which would invest over $2.5 billion in important infrastructure improvements and job-creating local projects across the state. Not having received the constitutionally required three-fifths supermajority vote, however, the bill did not pass. Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing), who voted for the legislation, shared a commitment to continue advocating for key projects in the future.
“Failure to invest in these priorities now means these projects will be more expensive down the road, and worse, it means Minnesotans’ health and safety will continue to be jeopardized by crumbling infrastructure in communities across our state,” Rep. Sandstede said. “Today, I’m deeply troubled that House Republicans chose a ‘politics before people’ approach. In spite of COVID-19, the state’s bond capacity remains strong and we have the capacity to invest in these priorities! With a special session looming, we will keep working to enact a robust, balanced Jobs and Local Projects Bill to strengthen our public assets and create good-paying jobs.”
Projects in the bill important to the Iron Range include the new Hibbing Mine View, water level mitigation at the Canisteo and Hill Annex Mine Pits, the East Itasca Joint Sewer Board’s new wastewater treatment system for Nashwauk and surrounding communities, Floodwood’s wastewater pond stabilization project and more.
A full list of the projects proposed in the legislation can be accessed here. Video of the House Floor session will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube Channel.