The Senate today (Monday, March 16) in a preliminary vote passed a $367 million bonding bill 56-8. Not all of the projects in the bill require state bonding dollars.
Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, crouches on the Senate floor in conversation with Senate Minority Leader David Senjem, R-Rochester. Robling was one of a small group of senators who voted against the $367 million bonding bill passed by the Senate today (March 16). Senjem voted in favor of the bill. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)
ECM Capitol reporter
The Senate today (Monday, March 16) in a preliminary vote passed a $367 million bonding bill 56-8.
Not all of the projects in the bill require state bonding dollars.
The bill slates about $90 million to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) some of the money user-financed that would translate into new windows and roofs and other infrastructure improvements on campuses across the state.
The University of Minnesota would also receive asset preservation funding along with $24 million for the Bell Museum on the St. Paul campus.
Other items in the bill include $5 million for the Minnesota Zoo for asset preservation and $2.5 million for Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley.
In the area of economic development, the bill slates $500,000 for a regional ice rink in Big Lake.
A number of other suburban projects fill the bill.
Bill would create 3,600 jobs
Bill supporters argue the bill would create some 3,600 jobs in upcoming months.
A handful of attempts were made to amend the bill, two Dakota County lawmakers offer several amendments.
Sen. Claire Robling, R-Jordan, attempted to pull some $11 million in Como Zoo funding and directed to the Minnesota Housing Finance Authority.
Robling's amendment failed, but produced a close vote.
Sen. John Doll, DFL-Burnsville, successfully amended the bill to have the Metropolitan Council convey the Apple Valley Transit Station to the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority for a nominal fee.
Local lawmakers voting against the bill were senators: Johnson, Jungbauer, Koch, Limmer, and Robling.
The House has not yet passed a bonding bill.
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