ST. PAUL, MN—After months of negotiations, Governor Dayton and Senate Majority leadership announced Thursday their intention to walk away from special session talks over an impasse on Southwest Light Rail. Funding for the SouthWest Light Rail project was the last remaining obstacle of disagreement for a special session to re-pass the tax bill vetoed by Governor Dayton, as well as bonding and transportation provisions passed bipartisanly by the House in the 2016 session."
Representative Mark Uglem (R- Champlin) issued the following statement:
"I am extremely disheartened and disappointed that in spite of agreement on the vast majority of policies that were negotiated, Governor Dayton refused to call a special session," said Uglem. "Bonding projects in our district were set aside for SouthWest Light Rail funding, including $3.3 million for the Champlin Mill Pond, $11.9 million in bonds for the Hanson Boulevard rail road overpass, and $30 million for Highway 10 lane expansion. Senate Democrats and Governor Dayton prioritized Met Council demands over the wellbeing of Minnesotans, and there is no excuse for that."
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