This week, legislative Republicans introduced a proposal that would provide $7 billion in road and bridge funding over the next ten years without raising anyone's taxes.
The plan, called the Road and Bridge Act of 2015, would create a new Transportation Stability Fund for our state. Money that is currently being collected from the sales taxes on auto parts, the Motor Vehicle Lease sales tax, the rental vehicle tax and the sales tax on rental vehicles would be deposited in this transportation fund. From there, that revenue would be allocated to areas such as statewide roads and bridges, suburban county highways, and metro area capital improvements. This redirection of tax dollars represents a $3 billion investment.
Additionally the Road and Bridge Act includes $1.3 billion in Trunk Highway bonds, $1.2 billion from realigning Minnesota Department of Transportation resources, $1.05 billion in General Obligation bonds, and $228 million in General Funds for our infrastructure needs.
I'm very pleased the Republican proposal prioritizes roads and bridges over transit, and does so without any cost to Minnesotans. It directly contrasts Governor Dayton's transportation proposal, which would raise taxes and fees by $9 billion and ultimately force drivers to pay 16-cents per gallon more for gasoline.
In other news the Prenatal Trisomy Diagnosis Awareness Act I'm carrying has been approved in the House Government Operations Committee and will soon receive a full debate on the House floor. You'll recall this bill would provide expectant parents, upon receiving a diagnosis of Trisomy 13, 18, or 21, with supportive and educational information provided by the Minnesota Department of Health and national and local advocacy organizations.
My anti-SLAPP bill (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) is also headed for a House floor vote. The legislation would allow citizens to report a crime without fear of reprisal. The bill is also receiving hearings in the Minnesota Senate and I'm hopeful senators will soon take up the measure as well.
If you haven't already done so, here is a reminder to please fill out my legislative survey! Please visit my House website at www.house.mn/39B and click on "2015 Legislative Survey" to participate and share your views.
Finally, I'd like to wish you and your family a blessed Easter holiday!
As always, I am interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at Rep.Kathy.Lohmer@House.MN or contact my office at 651-296-4244. You can also send mail to my office address: 501 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.