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Spending down reserve represents valid proposal

At first glance, we found ourselves agreeing with Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, who believes that if the Legislature wants to have the state build and operate three new nursing homes for veterans, it should make a specific appropriation for that purpose. That, to us, seems like good government. Specific appropriations for specific purposes.

Republicans who control the Legislature see things differently. They are eyeing the U.S. Bank Stadium reserve, which is funded by charitable gambling and some corporate taxes. The fund will hold more than $120 million by 2021. Republicans believe $35 million is enough to keep in the reserve, which is set aside for stadium maintenance. Which means Republicans also believe the reserve is bloated, overstuffed with tax dollars.

So, Republicans could write legislation to fund, build and operate new nursing homes. And then what? Rebate the unnecessary reserve funds to taxpayers? Or they could simplify things and draw down the reserve to build the nursing homes. In the end, it’s all the same. Which is to say it is all legislative decision-making. If the basic idea of building three new nursing homes is unsound, lawmakers can vote against the plan, wherever the money comes from. Right?

One could argue that the source of the funding makes a difference, if it comes from certain taxpayers and not everyone in general. A valid point. So too is the notion that the state will save money by spending down the reserve rather than borrowing money. And there is the argument that utilizing the reserve will benefit a worthy cause, namely a group of people to whom we all owe a great deal.

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