Praise, knocks for Dayton’s bonding plan
The $1.4 billion public works construction proposal released by Gov. Mark Dayton Friday sparked a variety of reaction. Here's a sampling:
Sen. David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, Senate Minority Leader:
“Gov. Dayton’s historically large borrowing proposal should be cut in half before we even begin talking about statewide priorities and specific projects.”
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Sen. LeRoy Stumpf, DFL-Plummer, chair of the Senate Capitol Investment Committee:
“The governor’s bill goes a long way toward helping support and revive our state’s aging infrastructure system. Minnesota received around $3.5 billion in bonding requests, and by traveling the state for six weeks this fall it’s clear to me, that there is a significant need for investments to maintain critical infrastructure systems like wastewater and safe drinking water, roads and bridges, colleges and universities and so much more.”
Rep. Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers, House Majority Leader:
"We are extremely disappointed that Gov. Dayton failed to set aside even $1 for road and bridge infrastructure in Greater Minnesota or the suburbs. Fixing our state's roads and bridges is a priority for Minnesotans in all parts of the state, and should be one of the first priorities in any bonding bill. Additionally, we have concerns about the hefty $1.4 billion price tag that includes wasteful projects like snowmaking machines in Saint Paul and ski lifts."
Rep. Alice Hausman, DFL-St. Paul, the leading Democrat on the House Capitol Investment Committee:
“Gov. Dayton’s robust bonding package demonstrates strategic investments that will keep up the momentum as the state’s economy continues to gain steam. His proposal preserves state assets, repairs critical infrastructure, and wisely invests in higher education, public safety, and affordable housing.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. The governor's plan includes a total of $82 million for St. Paul projects, everything the city was asking for. Coleman said:
“From transportation financing to economic development, the Governor’s proposal reflects his commitment to ensuring a strong capital city – including critical investments in our transportation infrastructure and parks."
University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. The university wants $236.3 million in projects. Dayton's plan provides $153.3 million of that request. Kaler wrote:
"I’m grateful Gov. Dayton supports systemwide facility investments for our students. We look forward to building on our partnership with the governor and legislators. The vitality of Minnesota is inextricably linked to the upward trajectory of the state’s flagship public research university—the University’s economic and cultural impact spans all 87 counties of Minnesota.”
Tim Marx, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Dayton recommended $12 million for expanding the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul and $90 million for affordable housing statewide, some of which Catholic Charities will compete for to add to the project. Marx said:
"We are grateful for Gov. Dayton's leadership and support, and look forward to working hard over the next several months to continue building statewide, bipartisan support for these transformational investments."