Minnesota Senate GOP blocks multiple infrastructure bills.
Minnesota Senate Republicans have blocked a $1.5 billion capital investment bill, which would have funded construction projects across the state, arguing that it should be tied to tax cuts. The move has sent Democrats back to the drawing board and frustrated local leaders and labor groups who have waited three years for lawmakers to approve a capital investment bill. The House passed the bill earlier this month, but the Senate's procedural move to table the bill means it could come up again later. Democrats argue that the funding for projects around the state is long overdue, while Republicans say the state should consider using part of its $17.5 billion budget surplus to fund projects, rather than issuing bonds.