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January 24, 2000
Transportation,bonding arebig issues in2000 session(Editor's note: This is part three of a series of comments from local lawmakers regarding the upcoming legislative session that begins Feb. 1) By GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- As local legislators head back to St. Paul on Feb. 1, transportation and the bonding bill are high on the agenda. "This is not a budget year for us, but supplemental funding is possible," Dist. 23-B Rep. Howard Swenson, R-Nicollet, said. "The governor has said that he does not approve of supplemental funding during the bonding year." The bonding bill will become a major subject of discussion. There will be a lot of debate over how big the bonding bill should be and what should be included, Swenson said. "We need to seriously look at all the issues involved during the discussions over the bonding bill," he said. "It will be an interesting session, I think. I am not sure how it will all play out." Funding for transportation is also a major concern because many legislators are pushing for more funding. "We need more resources in transportation," Swenson said. "I definitely support funding in the transportation area." During the budget discussions in the 1999 session, Gov. Ventura vetoed $20 million that was designated for bridges and transportation. The bonding bill could present an opportunity to put that funding back into the budget, he said. "The prediction of a surplus will also bring some discussion to the floor," Swenson said. "Much has been said about cutting taxes because of a continued surplus. I am certainly in favor of supporting tax cuts with the size of the surplus." Another issue Swenson says should be looked at is the matter of nursing home salaries and retirement, so nursing home facilities can increase staff sizes to accommodate the growing need for care. "I have some concerns about unicameral legislation and plan on taking a serious look at it," he said. "I am not sure how that will develop." The leadership has set Easter as a completion date for the session.
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