The Minnesota Legislature is stepping up to the plate with a $6.6 billion transportation package. The House passed the bill 89-44 and the Senate was expected to approve the bill late Thursday night.
Now the bill goes to Gov. Tim Pawlenty for his consideration.
Pawlenty has a chance to step up on the transportation issue and help Minnesotans invest in their future with better roads, bridges and transit.
A spokesman for Pawlenty stated Thursday that the governor will veto the transportation bill.
It is time Pawlenty put Minnesota's future first. This state must invest in bridges, roads and transit. If the state does not do this, our safety and our economy will suffer.
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Democrats in the House and Senate compromised Thursday by changing parts of the transportation bill to address concerns. A major change was lowering the metropolitan sales tax hike from one-half percent to a quarter percent.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce stepped up Thursday and said it could support the transportation bill. It is seldom that a business-related group will support a tax increase. However, Minnesota businesses understand the extreme importance of investing in the safety and commerce of this state.
It is time the politics of Pawlenty is put on hold and that this governor take care of transportation in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is failing due to poor leadership and lack of funding. Minnesota roads and bridges are not being maintained due to lack of funding. Dangerous roads and bridges are not being fixed due to lack of funding. Minnesota road congestion is costing businesses and consumers time and money.
We call on Pawlenty to show the leadership of a good governor and do the right thing for Minnesota transportation.
Sign the transportation plan for the sake of the future of the citizens and businesses of Minnesota!
