Both measures are top priorities for Governor Mark Dayton and key goals for labor unions, which said they will create much-needed jobs, particularly for construction workers.
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| Union members and other stadium supporters (above) rallied Monday outside the House chambers. Governor Mark Dayton (below) addressed the crowd at a rally earlier in the day that include past and present Minnesota Vikings players. Photos by Steve Share View more photos |
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House DFLers put up a majority of the 99-32 votes needed to approve the nearly $500 million bonding bill and send it to the Senate, which passed it 45-22. It will go to a conference committee to iron out any differences before being sent to Dayton for his signature.
Amendments increased the amount of bonding by about $62 million from the bill’s original total of $433.9 million. The bill calls for $496.4 million in general obligation bonding to fund road and bridge projects; maintenance work at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system; asset preservation projects at various state-owned facilities; and design work for needed repairs to the State Capitol.
Getting a bonding bill to the floor this session has been controversial. DFLers balked at initial proposals. They argued that more project funding would be necessary to put the construction trades back to work; however, Republicans noted there was nearly $500 million in bonding enacted last year, and they expressed concern about increasing the state’s debt service.
Meanwhile, the House voted 73-58 for a $975 million plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Forty DFLers and 33 Republicans voted yes. Thirty-seven Republicans and 21 DFLers voted against the bill.
The legislation was amended to decrease the public support by $105 million and shift that obligation to the team, as well as give the public a share of the revenue from naming rights.
As proposed, the 65,000-seat “People’s Stadium” would be built on the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis, in part, on the current Metrodome site. The team is expected to begin play at the new stadium in 2016.
The bill now goes to the Senate, which adjourned at 11 p.m. Monday without acting on it. The Senate reconvenes Tuesday at 9 a.m.
This article is adapted from information in Session Daily, the online publication of the Minnesota House.
Share
Both measures are top priorities for Governor Mark Dayton and key goals for labor unions, which said they will create much-needed jobs, particularly for construction workers.
|
| Union members and other stadium supporters (above) rallied Monday outside the House chambers. Governor Mark Dayton (below) addressed the crowd at a rally earlier in the day that include past and present Minnesota Vikings players.
Photos by Steve Share |
|
House DFLers put up a majority of the 99-32 votes needed to approve the nearly $500 million bonding bill and send it to the Senate, which passed it 45-22. It will go to a conference committee to iron out any differences before being sent to Dayton for his signature.
Amendments increased the amount of bonding by about $62 million from the bill’s original total of $433.9 million. The bill calls for $496.4 million in general obligation bonding to fund road and bridge projects; maintenance work at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system; asset preservation projects at various state-owned facilities; and design work for needed repairs to the State Capitol.
Getting a bonding bill to the floor this session has been controversial. DFLers balked at initial proposals. They argued that more project funding would be necessary to put the construction trades back to work; however, Republicans noted there was nearly $500 million in bonding enacted last year, and they expressed concern about increasing the state’s debt service.
Meanwhile, the House voted 73-58 for a $975 million plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Forty DFLers and 33 Republicans voted yes. Thirty-seven Republicans and 21 DFLers voted against the bill.
The legislation was amended to decrease the public support by $105 million and shift that obligation to the team, as well as give the public a share of the revenue from naming rights.
As proposed, the 65,000-seat “People’s Stadium” would be built on the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis, in part, on the current Metrodome site. The team is expected to begin play at the new stadium in 2016.
The bill now goes to the Senate, which adjourned at 11 p.m. Monday without acting on it. The Senate reconvenes Tuesday at 9 a.m.
This article is adapted from information in Session Daily, the online publication of the Minnesota House.