ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are taking a day off as they prepare for a flurry of activity at the start of next week.

The Legislature won’t meet Friday. But they’ll be back in St. Paul on Monday for planned votes in the House and Senate on the nearly $1 billion Minnesota Vikings stadium bill. The debates leading up to the vote are likely to be long and contentious.

Also awaiting votes next week are dueling House and Senate versions of a package of infrastructure improvements and building projects around the state, financed by construction bonds. Both packages are just under $500 million but vary somewhat in their details.

Lawmakers had hoped to finish up the 2012 session by the end of April, but aren’t required to finish until May 21.

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