Senate Republicans released the following statements in response to the Governor’s announcement a possible $2 billion bonding bill:

“Bonding is, of course, the main priority for this session, and we will work to get a bill that invests in transportation and infrastructure that helps all Minnesotans,” said Capital Investment Chair Dave Senjem (R-Rochester). “The Senate Capital Investment Committee has visited many projects that are worthy of consideration, but we also need to be responsible for what we borrow. It’s not just free money, it has to be paid for in the long run by future legislators. With all those considerations, I’m confident we will work together with the House and Governor to fund the right investments for our state.”

“Senate Republicans are committed to working with the House and the Governor to get a bonding bill that will best serve Minnesotans,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa). “The budget forecast allows for borrowing $755 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds. The past two bonding bills were $825 and $998 in GO bonds. I’m more comfortable with those kinds of numbers than $2 billion. We should carefully consider that today’s borrowing impacts tomorrow’s spending. Surpluses come and go, but obligations remain the same; like a household budget, we don’t just borrow money because we can or because we can get a good deal.”