As we look ahead to a Third Special Session, we wanted to bring to your attention some of the infrastructure programs administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) that are designed to facilitate business development in particular sectors or to address transportation infrastructure needs.
The prospects of a Third Special Session and agreement on a Bonding Bill continues to hinge on the resolution of the current conflict between the House Republicans and Governor Walz over the extension of the Governor’s Emergency Powers. The substance of the Bonding Bill has been agreed to by House and Senate leadership and Governor Walz. The House Republican Caucus is refusing to allow any of its members to vote for the Bonding Bill unless and until the Governor concedes from his powers and finds a more active role for the Legislature to play in responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.
When this resolution is reached, the DEED programs that have been included in the Omnibus Bonding Bill include the following:
Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Program
$10 million
Minn. Stat. § 116J.431
Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure Program
$2 million
Minn. Stat. § 116J.435
Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program
$3 million
Minn. Stat. § 116J.436
We will be monitoring the actions of the Capital Investment Committees of the House and Senate to see whether any further changes are made to the Omnibus Bonding Bill – and whether any of those changes affect the funding for these DEED programs.