St. Paul, MN - Yesterday, in a major step towards completing the work set by last session’s bipartisan framework agreement, the Minnesota House passed two pieces of capital investment legislation that would deliver nearly $1.9 billion for local jobs and projects throughout the state. The package of legislation is split between a $1.5 billion bonding bill (HF 669), using General Obligation (GO) bonds, and a $393 million cash bill (HF 670) through the general fund.
The bill contains $25,080,000 for the Rosemount Readiness Center to renovate the space for mechanical, electrical, building envelope, energy efficiency, and life safety improvements. It also contains $5,000,000 for Dakota County’s Minnesota’s River Regional Greenway.
Representative John Huot (DFL-Rosemount), who has carried the legislation to invest in the Rosemount Readiness Center’s repairs and updates, voted in support of the bills.
“All of us in Minnesota deserve safe and strong communities,” said Rep. Huot. “I was honored to support this bill for our community, to help improve training for National Guard members, law enforcement, and all the folks who work hard in our public safety arena. They deserve adequate training facilities to help keep us safe.”
House File 669, the first bill taken up, focuses on taking care of existing infrastructure and leveraging federal funds that are available for certain projects. The bill also restores and protects our natural spaces, and funds critical infrastructure, such as water and transportation systems, that allow communities throughout the state to grow and thrive.
House File 670’s cash-funded projects include investments to protect communities from flooding, create safer nonmotorized transportation options, provide clean water, expand local recreational opportunities, modernize healthcare facilities, ensure safe shelter for youth, and increase educational and job training opportunities, among other things. It also includes numerous investments in BIPOC-led nonprofits that provide essential community services.
Bills that utilize GO bonds must originate in the House and require a supermajority to pass. House Fille 669 passed on a vote of 91-43. House File 670 passed on a vote 98-36. Video of today’s debate can be found on the House Public Information YouTube channel.
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