On Monday, the DFL-controlled Minnesota House of Representatives overrode Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s veto of the transportation bill, which fixes roads and bridges around the state by raising the state gas tax five cents a gallon. They were able to win over six Republicans to aid in the override. While no one wants to pay more for gas, this action updates a tax that hasn’t risen in 2o years despite the enormous increase in costs to fix roads. Studies continue to show major problems in Minnesota’s highway infrastructure that Pawlenty had refused to fix in order to keep his no-new-taxes pledge.
The DFL-controlled State Senate is expected to complete the override today. (UPDATE: The Senate has overriden the veto, turning the bill into law). This will be spun as a tax issue by the Republicans and a roads issue by the DFL. In truth, it’s just good to see actual problems actually addressed. Here’s hoping Iron Range State Highway 169 in Itasca County and State Highway 53 in St. Louis and Koochiching counties move closer to their needed upgrades as a result. With matching funds secured by U.S. Rep Jim Oberstar, many of these dangerous highways may finally be brought into the 21st century.
House overrides governor’s veto on transportation bill
By BRIAN BAKST
Associated PressST. PAUL — The Minnesota Legislature voted Monday to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s veto of a $6.6 billion transportation bill, paving the way for higher gas taxes and other fees to bring in more money for roads, bridges and transit.
The critical vote came in the House, where six Republicans broke ranks to defy the governor and provide the two-thirds majority needed for the override. The final vote was 91-41. The Senate vote later in the day, 47-20, was assured because the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party has a veto-proof majority.
The state’s first gas tax increase since 1988 will hit on April 1, and by fall it will have climbed slightly more than a nickel overall to 25.5 cents per gallon. It will rise in stages another 3 cents by 2012 to pay off road bonds.
The average state gasoline tax nationwide is 28.6 cents per gallon, according to API, a national trade association that represents the oil and natural gas industry.
Overrides are rare in Minnesota, with only 14 occurring since 1939. None of Pawlenty’s 36 previous vetoes had been overturned, including two before on transportation proposals.
In a conference call, the governor reacted coolly.
“The DFL majority has done what it does best, which is to raise taxes on Minnesota families,” he said. “I’m more than happy to say this is a DFL product and a DFL result with a few Republicans who helped them because I wouldn’t want to take any credit for this piece of work.”
Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, was among the Republicans voting for an override. He said his vote came down to concern over the safety of the roads.
“We have so many unsafe roads in my area with twists and turns — on a rainy night I’m scared to drive down the roads,” he said before the vote. “The people who die on those roads are teenagers in single-car accidents. If we don’t do something we will have some kid’s blood on our hands.”
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