Good morning. Well, that was a brisk weekend in multiple ways. 

U.S. senators were in Washington this weekend trying to break the shutdown fever and there are signs that could happen. The House, which hasn’t held a regular session since mid-September, could be called back soon to vote on a plan that has advanced through a preliminary vote in the Senate. The breakthrough comes as airport disruptions are picking up. Heating aid is being held up. Food benefits have been in a constant state of limbo. Every time there seems to be a way out forming, there is another obstacle tossed in the way so it's not a done deal just yet. 

Minnesota's two U.S. senators, Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, opposed the tentative agreement. "Lowering costs is the top priority for Minnesotans. I voted against this budget bill because it does not prevent health insurance premiums from doubling for so many in our state," Klobuchar said in a written statement. Smith issued her own statement, which also points to a lack of a guarantee on health care premium relief and reads in part: "Allowing this to pass is a mistake." 

Cities, counties, schools and state agencies are making pitches for projects they hope get government financing next year. The bonding bill helps pay for large-ticket projects, maintenance and other needs. Both the House and Senate Capital Investment Committees have already been out across Minnesota to learn about proposed projects. Hundreds of requests total $6.5 billion dollars. A group of senators head to the northwest part of the state later this week. DFL Sen. Sandy Pappas is leading the trip, “The big thing I see is water and sewer needs, you know, all these infrastructure aging out, all the forever chemicals, manganese, PFAs, nitrates. They need to upgrade their systems. Super, super expensive, and it's a problem because we have limited dollars and a bonding bill based on the guidelines so far." Pappas says the state government also has a lot of deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed. The House panel is touring metro-area projects this week.

New GOP governor candidate Patrick Knight says he believes his party needs a candidate with broad appeal in order to win statewide office.  The CEO and Marine veteran said in an interview Friday with Peter Cox that the party should focus on “bread and butter core issues” including affordability, the economy, education and public safety. He hopes his lack of a political background will resonate with voters. “I don't think we can follow the same template, the same strategy and expect to have a different result. And I come in with business experience and a big focus on economic growth, and I think that potentially, is a different theme than has been the typical approach.” He’s up against a big group of GOP candidates, including two current state legislators and some former candidates for state and congressional offices. As for the party’s endorsement Knight said, “I will abide by it if the endorsed candidate, I think, can win credibly the general election. And it doesn't have to be me, but we just have to win.”

State lawmakers could be asked to top off a college financial aid program next year. The Minnesota State Grant program is facing a $102 million deficit due to a variety of factors, including increased enrollment. The Star Tribune’s Erin Adler reports that award amounts are being trimmed as a result. The Legislature tried to adjust the program formula to head off a more-severe problem. With state finances tighter than they’ve been in recent years, it could be difficult to close the gap.

Farewell to a state legislator who passed one of the enduring laws in Minnesota: a minimum wage. Former state Rep. Ray Faricy has died at age 90. He died on Nov. 1. He served in the Legislature for a decade and later in various Ramsey County roles. The DFLer is best known as the chief sponsor of Minnesota’s first minimum wage law in 1973. It set the rate at $1.80 per hour. It’s above $11 now. Briana Bierschbach recounted Faricy’s efforts in this 2014 MinnPost story. Funeral services for Faricy are at the end of the week.