We knew that when legislators finally approved this year's bonding bill, not everyone was going to be pleased.

Still, we take major exception with the $25 million allocated for the Guthrie Theater.

It's hard to find someone, including us, to say the Minneapolis theater isn't an asset to this state. It recently garnered a national honor as a top regional theater in the country, so there's no question they're providing a great cultural service.

Since its opening 40 years ago, the Guthrie has delighted residents throughout the Upper Midwest and has been a source of pride for all Minnesotans.

Unfortunately, tough economic times dictate that priorities need to take place when it comes to any type of state-related funding. That's why we believe the enormous amount given to the theater could have been better spent on other projects statewide.

Some legislators have defended funding

the theater, saying that just because the state's in a money crunch, it doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye toward the arts. There's some merit in that.

However, why should many more Minnesota residents have to suffer through the lack of services and opportunities that would have been offered to them? College students are facing staggering tuition hikes, because funding has been slashed. Plus, about $25 million was taken away from an original request for the Department of Natural Resources for various projects that would have helped beautify one our state's biggest assets -- its outdoors. And the list doesn't end there.

Funding for the Guthrie should have either been given in smaller chunks, or put on hold for another year. Unfortunately, projects that would have ultimately benefited more residents than theatergoers aren't getting the funding that is deserved.