Minnesota legislature adjourns, Mayor Reinert expresses disappointment in lack of bonding bill

The Minnesota has closed their 2024 session. Both chambers of the Legislature ended their business without a bonding bill in place. Governor Walz had previously proposed a combination of $982 million in borrowing and cash to support public infrastructure, but that would have required a 60% supermajority which would have needed some Republican votes.

In response to the lack of bonding bill, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert expressed his disappointment Monday, May 20..

“Despite months of work, the House and Senate adjourned on Sunday without a bonding bill, leaving Duluth’s legislative priorities unfulfilled,” said Mayor Reinert in a released statement. ” Legislative inaction left critical infrastructure projects unfunded. This work includes our water treatment plant that serves 130,000 people in our region and in four cities, the restoration of the Aerial Lift bridge, and the required seawall repairs needed ahead of the Lot D development.”

The full statement released by the Mayor’s office is as follows:

Despite months of work, the House and Senate adjourned on Sunday without a bonding bill, leaving Duluth’s legislative priorities unfulfilled.

Legislative inaction left critical infrastructure projects unfunded. This work includes our water treatment plant that serves 130,000 people in our region and in four cities, the restoration of the Aerial Lift bridge, and the required seawall repairs needed ahead of the Lot D development.

Mayor Roger J. Reinert said,“ While we are disappointed in this outcome, we are committed to finding alternative funding streams to ensure these priorities move forward.”

Mayor Reinert went on to express his thanks to Representative Liz Olson for her years of leadership at the legislature. This is Representative Olson’s last legislative session. She has announced that she will not be running for reelection. Reinert said, “She is a smart, thoughtful, tireless representative for the western side of Duluth. We are grateful for her time in office.”

Minnesota state lawmakers also failed to pass a state Equal Rights Amendment or a state sports betting bill. They did, however, pass EMS funding and helped reach a compromise to keep Lyft and Uber in the state; Uber and Lyft agreeing to a new minimum pay rate.