The Legislature is set to adjourn Wednesday, and the frantic activity surrounding attempts to renegotiate the state’s two-year budget has pushed most everything else to the side.

Lawmakers, however, shouldn’t get out of Augusta without passing a bond package to put on the November ballot. The state has many substantial needs that shouldn’t be put off for another year.

Partisan divisions derailed a bond package last year. It takes a two-thirds majority to place bonds on the ballot, and there was no consensus between the two parties last year on how much the state could afford.

Roads, research and development, and wastewater treatment, along with investments in the state’s cultural economy and environment can’t wait another year with no movement. At the beginning of the legislative session, Gov. Baldacci proposed a $197 million bond package. That amount appears to be off the table.

These bonds shouldn’t be confused with the borrowing in the state budget. They are intended for infrastructure and capital projects, not ongoing expenses. They fund programs like the Land for Maine’s Future and the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, not increased education spending.

This year, there’s broad agreement that some level of bonding is needed, even as some Republicans remain steadfastly opposed to any borrowing. Some legislators have floated the idea of a $40 million package, an amount that could attract skeptical Republicans, but would barely scratch the surface of need and would likely focus on roads and water treatment.

There are other areas that also deserve support, including the Land for Maine’s Future, which helps conserve open space and wilderness for traditional uses, affordable housing, lead abatement, research and development and for the New Century Community Program, which is administered by Maine’s Cultural Affairs Council.

Lawmakers shouldn’t let another year slip by without making investments in the state.