Heading into an even year, Gov. Tim Walz discussed his bonding bill Wednesday morning at a place likely to make the cut — the University of Minnesota's Institute for Child Development.
"It's clear that we've learned to do a lot with what we have," U of M President Joan Gable said of the nationally-recognized Development Psychology program. "But it's not sustainable and it will be harder and harder to maintain our edge under these conditions."
Walz says he will not have a concrete number for his bonding request until he finishes a months-long tour of projects across the state and gets a clear financial picture next month; but it will be at least the $1.27 billion that was requested last legislative session, and eventually died at the end.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a graduate of the U of M program, and said even 20 years ago the building was bursting at the seams for students.
"And honestly there are projects — good projects — like this one, all across the state of Minnesota that are really grounded in the public good and the future of our state overall," she said.
Minnesota Commissioner of Management and Budget Myron Frans said now is the time to act because interest rates are low and infrastructure needs will only increase.
"Every year, projects get more expensive due to inflation," he said. "If we kick the can down the road costs increase because of cement, labor...all increase in cost."
The administration has set up a site for people to provide comments on projects in their own communities.