St. Paul – Last week, Governor Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith submitted their proposal for a $1.5 billion bonding bill, the largest public construction package in state history. The Governor and his administration submitted a $1.4 billion bill last January, and the Legislature failed to pass a $992 million version at the end of the regular session. This year’s proposal is a rejection of negotiations by Republican leaders and is unlikely to pass as written.

Sen. Osmek (Mound) spoke of the proposal last week:

“This proposal fails to address the public-works necessities that most effect the everyday lives of Minnesotans. It proposes millions of dollars in investments to leisure, but no funding to fix Highway 12, one of the state’s deadliest roadways. Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith are obviously out of touch with real Minnesotan priorities if we can’t give just $15 million to prevent deaths on Highway 12.”

“Zoos, parks, nature sanctuaries, and sports centers are not nearly more urgent or deserving of state funding than eliminating the ‘Corridor of Death’ along Highway 12. Just last March the Senate Transportation Committee heard families of victims of U.S. 12 crashes testify to its dangers. I can’t believe the Governor and Lt. Governor have ignored these cries for help.”

A bonding bill this expensive will be swiftly opposed by Republicans, especially in the absence of an agreement to a tax relief package from the Governor.