Today, the Minnesota State Senate passed a long overdue local jobs and projects bill. The $1.37 billion infrastructure bill will help build stronger, more vibrant communities across the state. The bill finances $1.87 billion in statewide public projects, once other funding sources are counted, including road and bridge repairs, access to safe drinking water, housing that is affordable, public safety, and upkeep for the higher education institutions that prepare our future workforce. After voting in support of the bill, Senator Jeff Hayden released the following statement:
“Passing a robust bonding bill is the right thing to do and it was long overdue. We have $5 billion of requests to improve crumbling public buildings and infrastructure across Minnesota,” said Assistant DFL Leader Senator Jeff Hayden. “Not only does this robust local jobs and projects bill address the need for infrastructure improvements, it creates thousands of jobs across the state and funds critical equity projects.”
The bill includes $30 million for equity projects including the American Indian Center in Minneapolis, the Minneapolis 38th Street Cultural Wellness Center, and the Native American Community Clinic in Senator Hayden’s senate district. Also included was $55 million for Bus Rapid Transit. Additional equity projects across the state such as, funding for the Hmong American Farmers Association, the Northwest American Indian Center in Bemidji, and the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance in Albert Lea will benefit communities of color statewide.
The bonding bill passed by the legislature will create much-needed economic stimulus in the face of an economic downturn and puts people back to work. In addition to creating thousands of jobs statewide the bill provides tax relief for farmers and small business owners while also protecting jobs in Northern Minnesota.
Read more news from Sen. Hayden.
