Over the first few weeks of the legislative session we’ve seen transportation and budget proposals from both the Governor and the legislative bodies. While there are vast differences in some areas, I’m encouraged by much of what has been put forward.
Maintaining and improving our crumbling transportation infrastructure is vital to keep our economy growing. At current funding levels, Minnesota is projected to have a $6 billion hole in transportation funding over the next ten years. The Governor’s transportation plan fills that hole by increasing the wholesale tax on gasoline by 6.5%, vehicle registration tabs by 0.25% over three years, requires MnDot to be more with the funds they have, and pays for metro transit projects with a metro sales tax increase of a ½ cent. While I support a strong transportation plan for road and bridge construction, I also believe transit is a good way to reduce economic disparities across our state. Transit reduces congestion and provides options for those who have difficulty getting where they need to go, including to work and access to vital services such as health care.
In contrast to the Governor, who put forward a meaningful plan addressing an ongoing shortfall in funding, the Republicans in the House have a one-time funding increase of $200 million, which cannot address the long term transportation needs of our state.
Two years ago we balanced Minnesota’s budget without shifts or gimmicks. We repaid the money borrowed from our schools and set the state on a strong fiscal path. As a result, today we have a budget surplus and the economy is in good shape. Governor Dayton’s budget proposal builds on that progress by continue to make regionally balanced investments for Minnesota’s future. Education is prioritized with free pre-kindergarten for all Minnesota four year olds, funding increases for K-12 to reduce class sizes and invest in new technology, and new state grant aid to ensure college is within reach for more people. Additionally, the budget expands tax breaks for child care and ensures that seniors can stay in their homes instead of being forced out due to property taxes bills.
While I think the Governor has largely been on target with his transportation and budget proposals, I would like to have seen him propose an increase in pay for nursing home workers. I join Senate Majority Leader Bakk in the push for that pay raise to be included in the budget. Without paying a fair wage, attracting and keeping nursing home workers can be a challenge.
As many of you know, I’ve been an advocate for inter-city passenger rail between Northfield and the Twin Cities. On Monday, February 2nd MnDot will be updating public officials on the State Rail Plan and holding an open house afterward. Please come and share your thoughts between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Larson Room of the Weitz Center on the Carlton Campus. If you’re unable to make the meeting, the comment period for the two proposal has been extended to February 10th. I encourage you to let them know you support this project and hope it gets Tier I status. Tier I status means it will be among the first to be studied and implemented. You can learn more about the project and comment here: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/index.html
I’ve covered the broad details of the major budget initiatives so far this legislative session and will continue to keep you updated as the session progresses. As always, please feel free to share your thoughts or concerns with me. I can be reached at 651-296-0171 or by email at rep.david.bly@house.mn.