Post by Logan on May 7, 2016 3:48:10 GMT -6
Lawmakers offer transportation concessions, but deal still distant
On Friday afternoon, Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature sat down in front of cameras and did something unusual for the year-long debate about transportation funding: they offered concessions.
But is there enough time left to bridge the still-huge gaps?
With just two weeks remaining before lawmakers go home for 2016, lawmakers have to find deals on big questions of taxes, spending and mass transit in a hurry if they want to solve the issue both parties identified as a top priority this year.
They’re facing pressure from the outside, too, as local governments and chambers of commerce push lawmakers to overcome their differences and improve new funding to maintain and build Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.
Some observers said Friday’s concessions were a hopeful sign but still only a small step.
Read more: www.twincities.com/2016/05/06/lawmakers-offer-transportation-concessions-but-deal-still-distant/
On Friday afternoon, Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature sat down in front of cameras and did something unusual for the year-long debate about transportation funding: they offered concessions.
But is there enough time left to bridge the still-huge gaps?
With just two weeks remaining before lawmakers go home for 2016, lawmakers have to find deals on big questions of taxes, spending and mass transit in a hurry if they want to solve the issue both parties identified as a top priority this year.
They’re facing pressure from the outside, too, as local governments and chambers of commerce push lawmakers to overcome their differences and improve new funding to maintain and build Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.
Some observers said Friday’s concessions were a hopeful sign but still only a small step.
Read more: www.twincities.com/2016/05/06/lawmakers-offer-transportation-concessions-but-deal-still-distant/