Brief: Hansen Votes Against Capitol Restoration Bill

A $220 million bonding bill that would have exclusively funded restoration of the State Capitol complex was defeated Thursday on the House floor.

Whether the Legislature will pass a that typically funds construction projects throughout the state has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. Bonding proposals have not yet been passed off the House or Senate floor.

Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South St. Paul) voted against the Capitol restoration bill.

“I have long been a supporter of restoring the Capitol and remain so now, but this bill isn’t the way to do it,” said Hansen in a statement. “Minnesota needs a comprehensive bonding bill that invests in the entire statewide infrastructure our businesses need to be successful. The Capitol restoration should be a part of that bill, but it doesn’t make sense to set aside $220 million in bonding when we can’t actually use that taxpayer money for years—especially when we have such a long list of important statewide and regional projects.”

Hansen said he wants to see a “comprehensive” bonding bill with bipartisan support. 

Constitutionally, the Legislature has until May 21 to wrap up business, but House Speaker Kurt Zellers has set April 30 as the session deadline.