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DFL leaders in the Minnesota House And Senate held a State Capitol news conference today, just before the start of the 2010 session.

Most of discussion was focused on their $1 billion borrowing proposal for public works construction projects. The Senate plans to vote on the bonding bill Monday. A House vote will come a week later.

Rep. Alice Hausman, DFL-St. Paul, chair of the House Capital Investment Finance Division, said quick action will provide needed construction jobs throughout the state. She said a a big bonding bill is also a better value.

"So the one bright spot in a bad economy, low interest rates, low bids coming in, means this month if we move quickly on this bill the taxpayer dollar goes further," Hausman said. "We can  get more for our money if we do it now."

House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers, R-Maple Grove said he was disappointed with the proposal, especially the omission of $89 million to expand the Moose Lake sex offender facility.

"I think that's a gross miss," Zellers said. "That is an absolute public safety need."

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DFL leaders open session with bonding bill on fast track

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