This week, the Legislature took one more step toward accomplishing its work for the session. Both bodies have passed their versions of a nearly $1 billion capital investment bill - but that doesn't guarantee it will become law just yet. Read on for more details, and stay tuned to In Touch in the coming weeks as the debate unfolds.

Upcoming events:

• Americans' percentage of equity in their homes fell below 50 percent, which marks the first time homeowners' debt on their houses exceeds their equity since the Fed started tracking the data in 1945. Read the Star Tribune article.

Manufacturing:

• A key index for Minnesota's manufacturing sector slumped for a third consecutive month in February. Minnesota's Business Conditions Index showed a drop in orders, production, inventories and employment, according to a report released Monday by Creighton University. Read the Star Tribune article.

Counties/transit:

• On Wednesday, Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Carver and Scott counties learned they may have to move quickly if they want to start collecting a new sales tax for transit on July 1, 2008. To remedy what they considered years of inadequate state funding for transit, legislators gave the seven metro counties the option of levying a quarter-cent sales tax for new rail lines and busways. Read the Star Tribune article.

City of Brooklyn Park:

• Huntington Pointe, a blighted property in Brooklyn Park, could become the keystone to improving the city's entire Zane Avenue corridor. Last year, the city acquired the property and is nearly finished relocating tenants from the 306 one-bedroom units. Demolition is planned for this spring. Read the Sun Newspapers article. 

City of Plymouth:

• Citing the need to complete a study of the city's 12 "outlots" before approving development on one, the Plymouth City Council has upheld a six-month development moratorium on the parcels. Six councilmembers voted February 26 to deny a preliminary plan by LakeWest Development to create six single-family lots on an outlot owned by Heritage Woods Estates Second Addition Homeowners Association. Read the Sun Newspapers article.

 Hopkins Public Schools:

• On Thursday, March 13, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., business leaders are invited to attend a meeting of the Partnering for Early Education Community Coalition. The meeting will be held at Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins. This coalition was formed as a result of an early childhood business partnership breakfast sponsored by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and Hopkins Public Schools in October 2007. A group of committed business, school and community members began meeting in January 2008. The purpose is to provide leadership, action and information about quality early care and education for all young children and their families. For more information, contact Christine Fehst at 952.988.5003.