There's plenty of talk about sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats that are leading to gridlock at the State Capitol in St. Paul.
With that in mind, thanks are due to my Republican and Democratic colleagues on the Senate Capital Investment Conference Committee for their incredible work in sticking together and doing what's best for the people of our state.
I led a group of two Democrats - Sen. Sandy Pappas of St. Paul and Sen. Jim Metzen of South St. Paul - and two Republicans - Sen. Dave Senjem of Rochester and Sen. Steve Dille of Dassel - in our negotiations with the House and the governor. It was clear from day one that all four were focused on getting things done for the betterment of all Minnesota, and not just for the betterment of one region or one political party.
Thanks to their hard work and their courage to stick together in the face of tricky negotiations, we were able to secure nearly $900 million in capital investment funds that will mean 10,000 jobs and will bring improvements to schools, parks, roads, bridges, trails and other public projects throughout Minnesota.
If this committee hadn't put partisan differences aside and focused on the goal of wisely investing state dollars and creating jobs, it wouldn't have gotten done. Hopefully, this example is one that all of Minnesota politics can follow.
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Sen. Keith Langseth
Chairman, Capital Investment Committee
D-Glyndon, Minn.
