HF 4 redirects general funds from auto parts revenue to roads and bridges but fails to fund transit and rail crossing improvements
ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota House passed an Omnibus Transportation Finance bill (HF 4) today on a 73-59 vote. HF4 would divert more than $300 million per year in General Fund revenue to a dedicated transportation account. This would remove resources from the general fund that have traditionally been used for education, health care, and other state government services, while incurring billions of dollars in new borrowing for transportation projects without dedicated funds to pay for them.
The bill funds only $5 million for rail grade crossing safety improvements. There is a need for $243.67 million for high priority grade separations and $85 million for high priority at-grade crossings to protect the 326,000 Minnesotans who currently live within the one-half mile danger zone of railroad trains carrying crude oil have been identified.
Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL – Duluth) opposed the bill’s lack of dedicated funding for roads and bridges and the excessive borrowing on Minnesota’s credit card in the form of bonding. He voted against the bill.
“I still need to remind the Republicans that crafted this disappointing bill that we have a $2 billion budget surplus,” said Rep. Simonson.
“It is within our power to pass a bill that doesn’t rely on shifts and gimmicks and debt to get to the funding we’ve been told Minnesota roads and bridges need, but this bill undercuts rail safety, transit, roads and bridges in Greater Minnesota- just so Republicans can claim they’re not raising taxes. Sadly, Republicans have made it clear they’re happy to raise taxes by cutting LGA, increasing college debt, and underfunding our K-12 schools, so I wish they’d get real on finding dedicated funds for transportation.”
Rep. Simonson encourages community members to contact him on any legislative issue. He can be reached by email at rep.erik.simonson@house.mn or phone at 651-296-4246.
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