On Thursday, Feb. 16, Senate Republicans announced that tax relief must precede infrastructure borrowing. A bonding bill, sometimes referred to as a capital investment bill, is a package of state agency and local infrastructure projects that lawmakers approve to fund, at least partially, with state dollars. Senator Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) released the following statement:

“I am strongly supportive of a bonding bill, but first, we must have a plan in place on how we will return the historic surplus. Our state still sits upon a nearly $18 billion surplus, and it is high time to give it back to the taxpayers. 

“Minnesota also continues to be one of only eleven states that taxes our retirees on Social Security income. It is time to end this burdensome tax once and for all and support our seniors who are already on a fixed income.

“In addition, we must provide permanent tax relief for hardworking Minnesotans. There is no reason why we cannot accomplish meaningful tax relief, pass a bonding bill and take care of the needs of other Minnesota residents. Working together, across party lines, we can craft a solid budget and state policies that will stand the test of time.”