The Legislature doesn’t usually get a bonding package proposed as early as February. But since it’s been more than two years since a bonding bill has passed, capital funding is past due, said Rep. Fue Lee (DFL-Mpls).
A proposal for nearly $1.9 billion in capital projects across the state was unveiled Monday to the House Capital Investment Committee. Most of the funding — $1.5 billion — would come from bond sales and the remainder – $391.75 million – from the General Fund. The proposal came in the form of delete-all amendments to HF669 and HF670, both sponsored by Lee.
“It’s long past time to bring in the public on this important bill,” Lee said in a statement. “Hundreds of critical infrastructure projects have gone unfunded. These are projects that are crucial to communities throughout the state, and inflation causes them to go up in cost the longer we delay this unfinished work. It’s time to complete the work of 2022. Minnesota can’t wait any longer.”
Several members expressed appreciation for the work that has gone into the bill. Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul) noted hundreds of hours of hearings and tours held across the state.
First-term Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely) appreciates how the bill reflects what he’s heard in committee this session. “I’m learning and it’s sticking.”
The committee plans to take testimony Wednesday and mark up the bill Feb. 20. The hope, according to Lee, is to move the bill onto the House and Senate floors by early March. The Senate Capital Investment Committee plans to take up the bill Tuesday.
Once this bill is passed, Lee said,