Minority Republicans wield influence over bonding bill

Minn. House Majority Leader Matt Dean
House Majority Leader Matt Dean with the media about the outcome of the elections Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012.
Alex Kolyer for MPR

A bill introduced by Democrats in the Minnesota House this week would authorize the state to borrow $975 million for public works projects.

The bonding bill includes money to improve prisons, parks, the University of Minnesota, the Como Park Zoo and St. Paul's historic Palace Theater.

To move forward, a bonding bill needs the support of three-fifths of the House members. That means some Republicans need to join Democrats in voting for it.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke about the bonding bill with Dellwood Rep. Matt Dean who is the ranking Republican on the House Capital Investment Committee.

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