Democrat Bakk urges Minn. special session

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Bakk is pressing for a special session to pass a construction projects bill before the end of the year.

The state senator from Cook says passing a slate of state-financed public works projects this year would help the economy by allowing construction to get off the ground in April.

Bakk is one of 11 Democrats running for governor.

The power to call a special session rests with Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Pawlenty says he is willing to hear Bakk's idea but says a special session might not accomplish much.

The regular session begins on Feb. 4.

Bakk is also proposing tax credits and other changes to encourage investment. He outlined details at a Capitol news conference Thursday, surrounded by unemployed workers.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.