Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) lashed out harshly after the legislature overrode his veto of the transportation bill. Today, the Senate is expected to oust Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau from her dual role as Transportation Secretary by denying her long-delayed confirmation. The Senate’s bonding bill does not match the governor’s (the House’s bonding bill is expected soon).
It’s not being said yet, but I wonder if this contentious environment, coupled with Pawlenty’s possible national ambitions and the DFL legislature’s hopes to win a veto-proof majority in the House next fall, could lead to a complete meltdown with no bonding bill and little else of note.
That’s important because there are two vital Iron Range projects counting on bonding money — the Essar Minnesota Steel plant near Nashwauk, which is permitted and waiting for the infrastructure money, and the dewatering of the Canisteo Pit, a flood risk located above Bovey.
The larger impasse might threaten these two generally agreed-upon items during this session.
Speak Your Mind