MN Dems unveil revamped $986M construction bill

Legislative Democrats are moving ahead with a $986 million construction bill next week even though they don't have a deal with Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Sen. Keith Langseth says the bill now contains Pawlenty priorities including $36 million to expand a sex offender treatment facility in Moose Lake. That's less than half the $89 million the governor sought.

Langseth says Pawlenty has not weighed in on their proposal.

A House-Senate working group passed the revamped package Thursday, the first in a series of steps to get the bill through the legislative process. It spends less than a previous version on universities and civic centers.

Langseth and Rep. Alice Hausman say they expect floor votes next week, sending the bill back to another negotiating committee.