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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Steve Green (R)

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Legislative Update (3-27-15)

Friday, March 27, 2015

Dear Neighbor,

House and Senate Republicans unveiled our comprehensive, future-oriented proposal for transportation improvements in Minnesota on Monday. Our plan invests $7 billion over the next decade without raising taxes.

This proposal creates a special fund called the Transportation Stability Fund that redirects already existing revenues towards a new account dedicated to transportation spending. There are five accounts that would dedicate a combined $3.078 billion over ten years:

  • Road and Bridge Account – revenue from existing sales tax on auto parts
  • Metro Capital Improvements Account – revenue from existing sales tax on rental vehicles
  • Small Cities Account – revenue from existing rental vehicle tax

  • Greater Minnesota Bus Services Account – revenue from 50% of existing Motor Vehicle Lease sales tax

  • Suburban County Highway Account – revenue from 50% of existing Motor Vehicle Lease sales tax

In addition to these dedicated dollars provided by the Transportation Stability Fund, the Road and Bridge Act of 2015 uses $1.3 billion in Trunk Highway bonds, $1.2 billion from realigning MNDOT resources, $1.05 billion in General Obligation bonds, and $228 million in General Funds.

Our plan is supported by reliable, dedicated resources without raising taxes and stand in contrast with Governor Dayton and Democrats’ proposal.

The Governor's transit and road plan relies on a new 6.5 percent sales tax on gasoline which would raise gas prices by a minimum of 16 cents/gallon.

If you’re a driver in Greater Minnesota, you’re projected to pay at least $180 more per year – and that number increases every time the price of gas rises.

Ultimately, our plan would repair or replace 15,500 lane miles of roads and 330 bridges statewide, all without raising anyone’s taxes.

As I have spoken with constituents, I have found that there is very little appetite for a new gas tax. Families simply cannot afford to pay more at the pump. Why, at a time when we are finally seeing some relief at the pump, would we want to raise Minnesota’s gas tax to a level that would give us the 5th highest gas tax in the nation?

We can make these critical investments in our roads and bridges if we prioritize the way we spend taxpayer dollars. I am confident that our proposal represents the best step forward in addressing our transportation infrastructure needs.

Town Halls to be Held on Saturday

I will be hosting a series of town hall meetings this Saturday, March 28th. I encourage you to attend these meetings and voice your questions, comments, or concerns on issues affecting our area and state. Details for the meetings are listed below.

9:00 AM

Red Apple Café

116 North Main Street

Mahonomen, MN 56557

10:15 AM

Callaway City Hall

321 Main Ave.

Callaway, MN 56521

12:15 PM

Palace Café

111 East Main Avenue

Frazee, MN 56544

2:00 PM

Cottage House

119 Main Street NE

Menahga, MN 56464

3:15 PM

West Forty Restaurant

906 1st West

Park Rapids, MN 56470

5:00 PM

D& R Café

27 Central St. W

Bagley, MN 56621

As always, do not hesitate to contact me if you ever have a question or comment about a piece of legislation or a state agency. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-9918 or via email at rep.steve.green@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,

Steve