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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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LEGISLATURE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE
ST. PAUL Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bipartisan, comprehensive transportation package (HF2800) to provide $6.6 billion in new funding over the next ten years for Minnesota transportation system. Governor Pawlenty vetoed the measure last 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 41.
"Providing a reliable system of transportation infrastructure in our state is essential for the health of our economy, and a critical investment for the safety of our citizens," stated Rep. Kim Norton (DFL Rochester) who voted for the bill. "This is a sound policy decision that will finally address the serious transportation needs in every corner of our state, and right here at home."
The passage of HF2800 will provide a significant amount of additional transportation funding for the Rochester area. Over the course of the next ten years:
· The City of Rochester will receive approximately $9.4 million in additional funding; and
· Olmstead County will receive approximately $22.5 million in additional funding.
HF2800 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 and bridges;
· $650 million solely dedicated to bridges in Minnesota with $50 million in general obligation bonds for local bridges;
· $10 million for rural road safety;
· 40 additional state troopers;
· A tax credit/refund for low-income individuals; and
· 33,000 new jobs each year over the next five years.
"This bill will restore a fair funding mechanism that will provide adequate resources for our state's transportation system well into the future," stated Norton. "Restoring the buying power of our state's gas tax will put valuable resources to work in the effort to rebuild our critical transportation infrastructure and maintain safety on our roads and bridges. I understand the concerns some may have about adjusting the level of our state's gas tax and I take those concerns seriously but the safety and wellbeing of Minnesotans should always come first."
According to MnDOT's own projections, Minnesota is $2.4 billion behind every year in keeping up our current system. This serious lack of state funding has driven property taxes to record levels. Local governments struggling to maintain essential local roads and bridges have been forced to spend an unprecedented $1.6 billion of property tax revenue on transportation needs every year. That's more than revenue raised from the state's gas tax, and three times the amount brought in by state license tab fees.
"Property taxes are no way to build a safe and reliable transportation system in our state," said Rep. Norton. "By stepping up to the plate and delivering on our responsibility as a state to fund our roads and bridges, we can start to reverse the troubling trend of skyrocketing property taxes in every Minnesota community."
By increasing its investment in transportation, the State of Minnesota is poised to receive 20% in matching funds from the federal government. Currently the state is losing these matching funds to other states that are making adequate investments in their own transportation systems.
"While I have concerns about increasing the gas tax, this was the right decision for Minnesota. We can finally put people to work rebuilding our critical transportation infrastructure. Passing this bill was the responsible thing to do to ensure a strong future for our state," stated Norton.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce agreed, pledging their full support for HF2800 as an essential instrument of economic growth stating in a letter delivered to all legislators, "[This bill] demonstrates to the public leadership on transportation, and should increase their confidence in our state's transportation systems." It continued, "We are pleased that legislators have been willing to compromise on a final package."
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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