ST. PAUL, Minn. – Democrats at the Minnesota legislature this week proposed $1.5 billion in borrowing for state public works projects, plus about $400 million from the budget surplus.
Democrats will need Republicans’ help to pass it.
Republican Sen. Karin Housley of Stillwater said the bonding number Democrats are talking about was a little steep for those on her side of the aisle depending on which projects are included.
Democrats are also talking about a second bonding bill later in the session.
“I know they have an appetite for it,” Housley said. “I don’t know if they’re going to have any money left by the time May comes around.”
Senate Republicans are telling Democrats that tax relief must come before any bonding bill.
Democrats don’t need Republican votes to instead pay cash from the budget surplus for projects, but that would take money away from other programs.
