Pawlenty rips construction bill, but quiet about what’s next

04/04/2008

Associated Press
Last update: April 4, 2008


Gov. Tim Pawlenty is singling out projects in a construction-finance bill that he thinks represent misplaced legislative priorities.

But for now, he isn't saying whether he'll block just those or veto an entire $925 million bill that awaits his action.

Pawlenty spoke about the bonding bill on his weekly radio show today. He says it is "horribly misprioritized."

As examples, the Republican governor criticized a $400,000 grant for a brass band music lending library in Chatfield and $500,000 for landscaping around the new Bell Museum of Natural History.

Pawlenty has until Monday to decide what to do with the bill. He can sign it, veto it or sign it after pulling out projects he opposes. He has said the bill is too big and would bust the state's debt ceiling.