Downed Minn. Projects Bill May Be Back But Slimmer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Top Minnesota lawmakers are searching for a way to assemble a slimmed-down construction projects bill that would include renovation funding for the state Capitol.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk hoped to meet Sunday with House Speaker Paul Thissen, Senate Minority Leader David Hann and House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt about a plan that could pass before Monday night's adjournment.

On Friday, the House defeated an $800 million construction projects bill. Republicans argued it was too large.

A pared-back bill could be limited to the $109 million for the Capitol makeover, some disaster recovery assistance, matching money for a new Minneapolis Veterans home building and other projects deemed critical.

Republican buy-in is necessary because the bill requires three-fifths majorities to pass, beyond what Democratic House and Senate majorities can muster alone.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)