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MPR News Staff
St. Paul, Minn.

Republican Daudt 'frustrated' with Dayton's call for bonding

Kurt Daudt
Republican Minority Leader Kurt Daudt.
Jennifer Simonson / MPR News File

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Republicans say they weren't convinced by Gov. Mark Dayton's suggestions in his State of the State speech to borrow more money for state projects.

Dayton on Wednesday suggested bumping up a bonding bill this session to $1.2 billion, far above an informal limit set by lawmakers last year. GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt isn't ruling out going above that limit, but says DFL lawmakers have to make some choices of their own.

• In speech, Dayton pushes public construction projects
 • Dayton: State investments require 'careful' approach
 • Full text of Dayton's State of the State

"We were a little bit frustrated with the governor's comments that it would take a bill the size of $1.2 billion to put projects like the Lewis and Clark water project for southwestern Minnesota in the bill," Daudt told MPR News' Morning Edition Thursday. "Frankly, I think what needs to happen is the Democrats need to prioritize."

Most of the major legislation expected for this session has been passed, leaving the bonding bill the biggest priority before lawmakers have to adjourn May 19.

While Dayton used the State of the State to make his case for giving him another four years as governor, listing accomplishments and defending the rocky start of MNsure, the state's health insurance exchange.

The state has swung from budget deficits to a projected $1.2 billion expected surplus. Daudt said Minnesotans shouldn't forget the Republicans' contribution to that success.

Dayton, he said, reluctantly signed the Republican-crafted budget two years ago and warned Republicans would "suffer the consequences for this budget. Now he takes credit for those things. And frankly I think it's important to remember that there were some really positive results."