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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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TRANSPORTATION PLAN PASSES IN HOUSE; INCLUDES RURAL TRANSIT FUNDING
ST. PAUL When the transportation bill (HF946) came to the House floor the first time, it proposed a gas tax increase of ten cents, a price some legislators claimed was too high for Minnesota commuters. Rep. Kim Norton (DFL Rochester) was one of those who voted against the ten-cent increase, saying she would support a more moderate proposal.
Recognizing the concern of Norton and others, transportation conferees from the House and Senate agreed upon a compromise of a five-cent gas tax increase in conference committee to garner more support for the bill among those who considered ten cents too much. As a result, Rep. Norton and others voted in favor of the conference report when it came back to the House floor today. As mandated by the Minnesota constitution, 100% of the new revenue raised by the five-cent gas tax increase is required to be spent directly and exclusively on roads and bridges.
"This was the compromise I was hoping would come out of the transportation conference committee," said Norton. "A five-cent increase in the gas tax is a much more moderate proposal that I can definitely support. Combined with additional funding for rural transit, I was happy to vote for it."
The bill passed in the House on a bipartisan basis by vote of 90 to 43 enough to override the promised veto from Governor Pawlenty. The bill provides $543 million in additional transportation revenue in the next biennium and $817 million in FY 10-11. While this is only a fraction of what the state needs to maintain roads and transit statewide, supporters of the bill consider it a good compromise in the interest of progress.
Because of the deteriorating condition of Minnesota roads and steadily increasing congestion, transit options are growing more and more desirable for Minnesota commuters. Recognizing the need for additional transit options in the state, this bill provides important funding for rural transit in Minnesota.
"This is good news for the residents of Rochester," said Norton. "Investing in transit infrastructure just makes sense for our state, including rural areas and regional centers like Rochester. I am very pleased that this provision was included in the final bill."
By increasing its investment in transportation, the state of Minnesota is poised to receive 20% in matching funds from the federal government a significant chunk of change that will help improve Minnesota roads, bridges, and transit. Currently the state is losing these matching funds to other states that are adequately investing in their own transportation systems, making them eligible for the federal dollars.
"The longer we wait to address transportation in Minnesota, the farther we fall behind other states that are making wise investments in the interest of their citizens and their respective economies," said Norton. "The time to act on this fiscally responsible proposal was now."
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- Its Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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