Senate OKs funds for Sex Offender Program The state Senate on Thursday quickly approved emergency funding of $16 million for the Sex Offender Program, which will run out of money next month unless the shortfall is covered.
The bill also provides $1 million in matching funds for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster payments. The bill is headed to the House floor.
The Sex Offender Program's shortfall is linked mostly to construction delays in a new facility at the Moose Lake psychiatric hospital.
Although there was never a possibility that offenders would be released, Human Services Commissioner Cal Ludeman said the level of care and supervision provided could be affected if the funding gap isn't fixed.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
House gives green light to transportation The Minnesota House has given the go-ahead to spend federal stimulus dollars on roads, bridges and transit projects.
The House voted 113 to 19 Thursday to authorize the state Department of Transportation to spend nearly $600 million in stimulus cash.
Republican attempts to put up barriers to spending on transit projects failed. The Senate could take up the legislation in the coming days after a version of the bill cleared the Finance Committee.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
