SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives considered the House Jobs and Local Projects Plan, which would invest over $2.5 billion in important infrastructure improvements and job-creating local projects across the state. Not having received the constitutionally required three-fifths supermajority vote, however, the bill did not pass.
“Strong capital investments are needed to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans and create good-paying jobs in communities across the state,” said Rep. John Persell (DFL – Bemidji), who voted for the legislation. “I am deeply disappointed that House Republicans chose to put politics ahead of the people of Minnesota today. We will continue working to pass a Jobs and Local Projects Bill that funds these critical projects.”
The bill includes funding for Bemidji’s water treatment plant, which needs a new filtration system to remove perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the city’s drinking water; sewer and water system improvements for Deer River; and more. Thanks to an amendment introduced by Rep. Persell, the bill also provides grant funding to help the Northwest Indian Community Development Center purchase the Bemidji building that they currently operate in.
A full list of the projects included in the House Jobs and Local Projects Bill can be found here. Video of the House floor session will be available here.