Key Lawmaker Wants Robust Minnesota Construction Bill

ST. PAUL (AP) - A key Democratic lawmaker says within the next two weeks she will release a "robust" plan to borrow for public-purpose construction projects around Minnesota.

House Capital Investment Committee Chairwoman Alice Hausman says her proposal will exceed the roughly $500 million plan Gov. Mark Dayton has suggested he will recommend. Hausman says the improving economy means a rise in interest rates isn't far behind. That's why she wants to go big this year.

Hausman is compiling her bill based on projects that were previously vetted and are ready to go. She spoke highly of civic center projects for Rochester, Mankato and St. Cloud. A state Capitol renovation project could consume more than $100 million dollars alone.

Bonding bills require legislative supermajorities to pass, meaning Democrats will need some GOP votes.