Minnesota and Wisconsin voters showed gratitude to President Biden and Democrats this week during Biden’s visit to Duluth and Superior, where Biden celebrated his administration’s commitment of one billion dollars to replace Duluth and Superior’s John A. Blatnik Memorial Bridge.  The massive bridge links the Twin Ports via Interstate 535 and U.S. Highway 53.

Despite the vital role the bridge plays in linking Minnesota and Wisconsin to the world economy, it is now too corroded to safely carry heavy truck traffic.  Replacing the bridge is part of the government’s  $1.2 trillion infrastructure finance plan, which funds projects previously held up by high price tags or limited willingness to invest. In his speech Biden mentioned other areas where government funding will benefit Minnesotans, from expanded high-speed internet access to the restoration of polluted lakes and rivers. These investments fulfill a pledge Democrats have made consistently over Biden’s four years: to improve the lives of Minnesota voters in ways large and small, visible and invisible.

Democrats’ announcement of one billion dollars for the Blatnik bridge met mixed reactions from Republicans: U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., praised the bill, welcoming the funding even though he had voted against it.  Meanwhile David Hann, chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota, said Biden was “Bankrupting America.”  

Hann’s comment comes at a time when Minnesota state-level Republicans are announcing their own mishandling of donations that have nearly bankrupted their state party.  As reported by multiple news agencies this summer, Minnesota Republicans are managing their own parties’ funding so poorly that they had only $53.81 in cash in their account in summer 2023.

As Minnesota voters head to the polls this fall, one issue on everyone’s mind will be, which party has the ability to maturely handle Minnesota voters’ money?  Minnesota Democrats have maturity and vision to invest Minnesota voters’ money to yield a better life for all.  Funding a bridge that brings prosperity to all is an example of their responsible approach.  As Biden put it, “Invest in America, invest in American products, build in America.”