Lawmakers Consider Options for Spending Minnesota Surplus

Minnesota lawmakers are sharing ideas for what to do with the state’s $1.2 billion surplus, but the proposed projects that would benefit local communities could face some challenges.

Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and two Democratic state legislators were in Moorhead to talk about their vision for the money; however, it may be difficult for their vision to become a reality.

Lt. Governor Smith and fellow democrats want the $1.2 billion to go towards the governor’s Jobs Bill for infrastructure, education, and housing.

State Representative Ben Lien highlighted the biggest selling point.  “It’s going to put people to work.  It’s going to create 39,000 jobs.”

“Here you have a challenge that is true in many communities in this state – how can we make sure that we have enough talented people to fill the jobs that this thriving economy is creating,” said Minnesota Lt. Governor Tina Smith.

Although there are many ideas of what to do with the state’s budget surplus, many here in Moorhead have one idea in mind.

“My wife works here in Moorhead and she was late getting into work because she was stuck behind a train.  She told me it was time to get it done.  She actually told me to put it on my ‘To Do List’,” said State Representative Kent Eken.

The budgeting in Governor Dayton’s Jobs Bill includes 70 percent for projects inside and around the Twin Cities and 30 percent for statewide projects.

Republicans control the House and two–thirds of lawmakers are from the Twin Cities, so funding local projects may prove to be difficult.

The Minnesota legislative session begins on March 8th.

It is only ten weeks long, so reaching an agreement on a bonding bill will be the lawmakers’ top priority.