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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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HOUSE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR VETO OF TRANSPORTATION BILL
Anzelc says historic veto is important for Minnesota.
ST. PAUL – Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a comprehensive transportation package (HF2800) last week to provide $6.6 billion in new funding over the next ten years for Minnesota's transportation system. Governor Pawlenty vetoed the measure Friday, but the Legislature bypassed his efforts to block the bill by voting to override that decision. The override vote passed on a bipartisan basis in the House by a margin of 91 to 40.
"By overriding the Governor's veto on this comprehensive transportation package we have addressed several of the top priorities facing Minnesota," said Anzelc. "We can begin fixing our crumbling roads and bridges, create thousands of new good-paying construction jobs, and reduce property taxes."
The transportation bill makes a significant reinvestment in Minnesota's comprehensive transportation system statewide. Put simply, it will provide:
· $6.6 billion over the next ten years for Minnesota roads, bridges, and transit
· $650 million solely dedicated to the 13 "fracture-critical" bridges in Minnesota with $50 million in general obligation bonds for local bridges
· Highway 72 Rainy River Bridge in Baudette and the Highway 64 Little Fork River Bridge in Rauch would cost about $150 million and be fixed by 2010
· 33,000 new jobs each year over the next five years
· A tax credit/refund for low-income individuals
· $10 million for rural road safety
"This bill is about the safety of our northern Minnesota transportation system. It’s a good for loggers, truckers, and tourism," said Anzelc. "It gives us a chance to upgrade Hwy. 11 from International Falls west to Baudette, Hwy. 53 north to International Falls and Voyaugers National Park, and Hwy 169 from Taconite to Nashwauk."
Anzelc added, "My grandfather and father paid to build up our current roads, highways, and bridges that we all use today, and we haven’t continued the investment. This bill we passed today represents our responsibility to make sure we don’t pass on a crumbling transportation system to our children and grandchildren."
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News Items
- STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANZELC APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE - (Posted: Dec 21 2012 12:00AM)
- Rep. Tom Anzelc participates in Governor Dayton’s “Working for Minnesota Jobs” discussion with Essar Steel and Magnetation - (Posted: 2012-10-03 00:00:00)
- REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
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