Post by Logan on Apr 22, 2016 0:24:28 GMT -6
Republicans and DFLers at the State Capitol have been united in calls for a big spending boost on Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure, but an enduring disagreement about how to pay for it is making progress unlikely for the second year in a row.
Leaders from the two parties say that an additional $600 million to $700 million a year is needed to both maintain the state’s rapidly aging roads and bridges, and to add to it in key spots where population growth is outpacing what the system can handle.
“Everyone agrees there’s an enormous need,” Gov. Mark Dayton said Thursday.
But the DFL and GOP are mired in a protracted dispute over the best way to pay for it. Dayton and his DFL allies who control the Senate want to increase the state’s gas tax by a few cents. House Republicans want to tap into the state’s $900 million projected budget surplus.
Read more: www.startribune.com/despite-agreement-on-need-breakthrough-on-transportation-spending-at-capitol-remains-elusive/376648341/
Leaders from the two parties say that an additional $600 million to $700 million a year is needed to both maintain the state’s rapidly aging roads and bridges, and to add to it in key spots where population growth is outpacing what the system can handle.
“Everyone agrees there’s an enormous need,” Gov. Mark Dayton said Thursday.
But the DFL and GOP are mired in a protracted dispute over the best way to pay for it. Dayton and his DFL allies who control the Senate want to increase the state’s gas tax by a few cents. House Republicans want to tap into the state’s $900 million projected budget surplus.
Read more: www.startribune.com/despite-agreement-on-need-breakthrough-on-transportation-spending-at-capitol-remains-elusive/376648341/