Dear Neighbors,
By now, you have likely heard about the disappointing end to the 2016 legislative session that adjourned Sunday evening. Because of a last minute political maneuver by the Senate DFL, critically needed funding to repair Minnesota’s roads and bridges is in serious jeopardy.
On Sunday, the House debated and passed a bonding bill with broad bipartisan support on a vote of 91-39. The bill included nearly $700 million in funding for transportation infrastructure as well as funding for a number of important public works projects around the state.
Unfortunately, the Senate blocked passage of the bill over demands for funding for the Southwest Light Rail train project.
I am incredibly frustrated that Senate Democrats chose to take down this transportation heavy bonding bill for an expensive and unpopular light rail project that has been plagued with lawsuits. The House was moving forward in good faith and believed to have had an agreement on the bill. Apparently this proved to be untrue as the Senate chose not to honor their end of the deal.
So where do we go from here?
House Republican leadership has called for a meeting of legislative leaders and is requesting that the governor call a special session so we can pass the bill that was agreed to on the last day of session. Stay tuned for developments on this important matter.
As always, please be sure to contact me to share your thoughts and concerns regarding this issue or any matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6746 or via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Sondra