DFL lawmakers consider bonding bill

Sen. Ellen Anderson
Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL-St. Paul is the chief author of the bill. She says she's amazed that every member of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, Technology and Communications voted for the bill.
MPR Photo/Tom Scheck

Some DFL state lawmakers are considering the idea of a bonding bill next year, as part of an economic stimulus package.

Normally, the Legislature passes capital improvement packages in even-numbered years only. Bonding bills allow the state to borrow money for construction projects.

Sen. Ellen Anderson, D-St. Paul, said a borrowing package could include money to help schools across the state put solar hot-water systems in their buildings.

"We could do that in a way that would attract some manufacturers to the state of Minnesota and could allow some existing solar hot water manfacturers in the state to hire more people," Anderson said.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty last week proposed tax credits and other incentives for companies that bring green jobs to Minnesota.