Though House Speaker Kurt Daudt claims that his “goal since the start of session” was to focus on infrastructure, he and House Republicans neglected to release a bonding bill or new transportation proposal until this week. Now, with just a few days remaining, Republicans are attempting to take the high road by touting compromise for their rushed proposals.

After weeks of inaction, there is little time left to address key issues or give Minnesotans enough time to weigh in on the process. While Governor Dayton and the Senate have focused on a tangible agenda to invest in a long-term, sustainable transportation plan, pass a statewide bonding bill, and prioritize working families with paid family leave, Republicans have been saying no for weeks.

Feeling the pressure of their ‘do nothing’ session, Speaker Daudt (R-Crown/Zimmerman/Stanford Township) and his caucus are scrambling to come up with something other than nothing to take home to their districts.

Rather than rush legislation in the last few days, Republicans should have been willing to begin legislative dealmaking earlier in the session. Compromise happens when both sides work together, not when Republicans decide it’s time to get to work in the eleventh hour.