SAINT PAUL, MINN. – This morning, Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith sent a letter to Speaker Daudt urging House Republicans to work toward consensus on a comprehensive transportation package that truly addresses Minnesota’s budget shortfalls for highways, roads, bridges, and transit. House DFL Leader Paul Thissen released the following statement.
“Minnesotans are frustrated by the gridlock in St. Paul. They expect that their leaders will work together and compromise in order to do something we all recognize is necessary – fix our state’s deteriorating transportation system once and for all.
But the reality is Republicans have shown no real interest in passing a transportation bill this session. Speaker Daudt had admitted the goal of their transportation plan is starve the general fund, taking money away from our schools and hospitals without generating new revenue needed to fund our roads, bridges, and highways. And rather than work to find common ground, they have done nothing but point fingers at Democrats and cast blame. No wonder Minnesotans are frustrated.
Democrats continue to advocate for a compromise that truly solves our state’s transportation problem. Last summer, Rep. Hornstein and Sen. Dibble proposed a compromise that would take ideas from the House Republican transportation plan as well as ideas from Governor Dayton’s proposal. House Republicans refused to compromise and remain stuck in the cement.
Both sides are going to have to give up on something in order to get this passed. The ‘my way or the highway’ approach from House Republicans will mean zero highways are fixed across the state. With less than a month remaining in the session, we call on House Republicans to listen to Minnesotans and come to the table in good faith to work together to pass a transportation bill this session.”
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