Minnesota Legislature: Infrastructure plan fails, Walz signs catalytic converter bill, U of M asks for help

Photo by: Governor Tim Walz - Facebook
Photo by: Governor Tim Walz - Facebook

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota GOP senators are rejecting a one-point-nine billion dollar infrastructure package.

The legislation failed to achieve a supermajority vote Thursday in the Senate needed to pass. The one-point-five billion dollar borrowing bill was rejected first, and Democrats declined to bring the 400-thousand dollar cash bill to the floor. Construction industry workers gathered at the Capitol ahead of the vote to push senators to support the bill.

In the meantime, a bill aimed at cracking down on catalytic converter thefts is now law.

Governor Tim Walz signed the bill Thursday requiring buyers to keep detailed records of purchases. Those possessing the part without proper documentation could face criminal charges. Catalytic converters contain precious metals that are valuable when sold.

And The University of Minnesota is considering a tuition hike to cover a shortfall.

The university's budget director told lawmakers that enrollment for 2023 isn't meeting expectations. The school is facing a 24-million dollar shortfall. The university is appealing to the legislature for additional funding.