Construction Leaders Urge Dayton Not To Rush Into Special Session

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A coalition of transportation companies and workers are asking Gov. Mark Dayton to hold off on calling a special session until Republicans and Democrats can reach a deal on the transportation package.

The Legislature failed to pass transportation and public works funding at the very end of the session. The bill was held up over a debate about Southwest Light Rail.

Democrats want it funded. Republicans won't support it.

Construction companies rely on state-funded projects to keep their businesses going, and crews need their paychecks to maintain their households.

That's why their asking lawmakers to set aside what they call "bickering and political games."

The Associated General Contractors and the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council held a news conference Thursday at the State Office Building.

Together, they represent 350 employers and 50,000 workers.

Coalition leaders say lawmakers need to reach an agreement and send Dayton a bill he can sign.

They want a long-term fix for roads, bridges and transit.

Until that happens, they believe Dayton shouldn't call a special session.

"This is not a partisan issue," said Dave Semerad, the CEO of Associated General Contractors. "When a bridge falls down as one did, we all remember that, it wasn't the Democrats or Republicans that were falling into the river. So, we're asking our legislatures to come together and compromise."

Dayton has said he's open to the idea of a special session. It could be as soon as next month if top lawmakers agree to meet his requirements.

He plans to think it over this weekend and meet with Republican and Democratic leaders next week.