ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) – The widest gulf in recent memory between Minnesota Republicans and Democrats on an upcoming 2020 bonding package for state public works projects.

Senate Republicans say their number will be around 700 million dollars, while House Democrats plan a whopping 3.5 billion dollars, possibly the biggest bonding proposal ever.

“We’ve been playing catch up and we’ve been applying band-aids,” said Rep. Mary Murphy (D-Hermantown). “We’ve been repeatedly told there was no risk and we could safely spend that amount of money.”

Senators were touring Marshall yesterday, seeing projects in the region, as they prepare for a bill.

G-O-P Senator Dave Senjem from Rochester points out because House Democrats need Republicans’ help to pass a bonding bill, he doesn’t expect it to be that large.

“That’s going to be a little problematic there,” said Senjem. “I don’t think the Senate will see a $3.5 billion dollar bill coming over from the House.”

The Senate Capital Investment Committee members also have stops in Redwood Falls, Morton and Willmar today.

Lawmakers return to St. Paul February 11th.