Lawmakers Discuss Surplus in Bemidji

Three lawmakers sat down with Bemidji leaders to discuss topics of interest before the Minnesota legislature convenes in early March.

While a number of things were talked about, the topics of bonding and transportation received the most attention. Potential changes are likely to be come out of the $1 billion Minnesota budget surplus, which will be a part of government meetings.

A new learning center at Bemidji State, along with several possible veteran’s homes, are only a few of the northern Minnesota projects which could receive surplus money.

Tom Saxhaug, John Persell and Dave Hancock talked to the room at large about the need for the allocation of funds for repairing state roads and bridges. Persell says proposed increases to the gas tax aren’t the best idea; instead, the state should look to tax car parts.