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 Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) released the following statement:

“With our state currently hoarding a historic budget surplus of nearly $18 billion, we should be doing all we can to give this money back to hardworking Minnesotans. That is why it is critical we first see meaningful tax cuts pass before we look to fund new infrastructure projects with state dollars. I am supportive of a bonding bill and know many worthy local projects need our support. However, Minnesotans also need financial support, and it’s long overdue to provide meaningful tax relief.”

Rasmusson serves on the Capital Investment Committee, which is charged with crafting a bonding bill. As per the Minnesota Constitution, a bonding bill needs a three-fifths supermajority in both chambers to pass, meaning Republican votes are required.