The Minnesota Legislature opened its 2008 session Tuesday with a flurry of activity. The DFL wasted no time by quickly announcing its transportation plan, which includes a 7½-cent gas tax increase and other revenue increases.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty will lay out his plans today with his State of the State address in St. Cloud.
The 2008 Legislature session appears faces many of the same issue things left undone in the 2007 session
Certainly, transportation is among the critical issues in the state, especially following the collapse of the I-35W bridge in August. The DFL is seeking more funding for transportation and Republicans are seeking no new taxes. A likely override attempt of the exported Pawlenty veto of transportation bill is expected.
Jobs remain at the top of the agenda. The DFL seeks to boost jobs by investing in transportation and other areas. The Republicans seek to boost jobs by cutting taxes.
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A quick passage of a constitutional amendment to dedicate money to outdoors and arts program is expected. This amendment would then be on the November ballot.
The biggest debate will likely occur over the public works bill. There are nearly $4 billion in requests for an expected budget of about $1 billion.
The final challenge will be possible budget cut decision necessitate by a state revenue decline due to the current economic slowdown.
With 2008 being a House election year as well as the presidential election year, the legislative session will be anything but boring.
Get ready for politics at its best and worst.
