Capitol View

Time to build or time to cut back?

Posted at 3:45 PM on January 15, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2008: MN Legislature, Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Pawlenty travel, Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Pawlenty released his bonding bill recommendations earlier today (watch video from the first portion of his news conference above). He's proposing $685 million in state bonding for public works building projects. He called his bill "austere" and said it prioritized the state's needs.

"The idea that we can just endlessly spend is out the window. You have to prioritize and you have to focus and you have to be willing to say no."

But DFL Rep. Alice Hausman of St. Paul said she thinks the bonding bill should be $1 billion, especially since there are low interest rates a it's cheaper to build right now.

"Our taxpayer dollar will go farther this year than if we wait two years for these projects. That resonates with everyone."

Pawlenty also said the state has reached a deal to buy land on Lake Vermilion from U.S. Steel but that plan needs legislative approval to lift a cap on the purchase price. If they don't get approval, Pawlenty said U.S. Steel is prepared to move forward with their development plans this summer.

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The feature examines statements made by Minnesota politicians and checks them for accuracy. Based on data analysis, document reviews and interviews with non-partisan analysts, statements are rated either true, false or inconclusive. PoliGraph is a collaboration between Minnesota Public Radio News and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. More

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