Minnesota House Republicans Release 10 Year, $6 Billion Road Plan
House Republicans unveiled a 10-year, $6 billion package for roads and bridges without a gas tax increase at a March 21 news conference.
“Minnesotans know we can fund our priorities, including road and bridge infrastructure, without a harmful gas tax increase,” said Rep. Paul Torkelson, (R-Hanska), chairman of the House Transportation Finance Committee.
The GOP plan would draw money from the general fund, sweeping revenue from taxes on auto parts and repairs, rentals and leases, while adding a surcharge on electric vehicles.
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The House DFL criticized the plan, saying transportation money needs to come from dedicated sources, and that by taking general fund money the GOP plan is not sustainable: “Taking money from schools and health care is not a long-term plan,” said Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis). Nearly three-fourths of the state budget goes to schools and health care.
The GOP plan also would borrow money to fund their transportation priorities. All told, Republicans want to spend $2 billion during the next two years and $6 billion during the next 10.
The GOP plan also would end state funding of light rail in the metro region by requiring counties or the local Counties Transit Improvement Board to fund 100% of operating and future capital costs of light rail.
Hornstein called the proposal a “divisive” attack on the metro and its transit priorities.
