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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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LEGISLATURE PASSES LANDMARK TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE
ST. PAUL Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a responsible, bipartisan 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 41.
"After letting our roads and bridges crumble for decades, it's time to make a commitment to building essential infrastructure," said State Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL Golden Valley/St. Louis Park) who voted for the legislation.
HF2800 makes a significant reinvestment in Minnesota's comprehensive transportation system statewide. 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;
· $100 million for expanded transit;
· 40 additional state troopers;
· A tax credit/refund for low-income individuals; and
· 33,000 new jobs each year over the next five years.
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.
Dedicated funding for transit in this bill will provide up to $100 million every year to build and maintain a better, more effective transit system in the metropolitan area that includes light rail, heavy rail, expanded metro bus fleets, and more. This is a proposal welcomed by many commuters in the Twin Cities that will reduce congestion and save commuter time and money.
"A transportation bill without this level of commitment to improving transit in the metropolitan area would have been a mistake," Winkler said. "The average Minnesota commuter is spending more than a work week over 43 hours stuck in traffic. It's time to give drivers a viable alternative, and ease the gridlock that's choking our cities. This is the right thing to do in a successful, growing state."
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Cant Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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