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The state Senate this morning followed the lead of the House and passed a nearly $1 billion package of public construction projects.

The combination of borrowing and cash pays for dozens of projects, including the state Capitol renovation, civic centers in several cities around the state, and part of the Lewis & Clark water pipeline in southwest Minnesota.

The vote on the $845 million bonding portion of the package was 47-17. The $200 million cash portion passed 44-19.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Leroy Stumpf, DFL-Plummer, noted that it also includes $100 million for affordable housing.

"Housing as we traveled around the state from corner to corner, large cities as well as rural areas, housing was an area that was in great demand," he said. "Employers could not hire the people they wanted to hire because there was no housing in their communities."

The construction funding bill is one of the last major items on the Legislature's agenda. Lawmakers also plan to pass a tax cut bill and a spending bill before adjourning later today.

Here's a copy of the items in the bill:

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