Republicans Unveil Transportation Funding Counter Offer

St. Paul, MN (Learfield Wire Service) - House Republicans today rolled out their response to Governor Dayton’s transportation funding proposals.

The GOP plan calls for $300 million from existing sources, $200 million from Trunk Highway bonding and $100 million from license tab reforms. House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin from Rogers says their plan is “a very good compromise, it still puts our priorities first which we believe are the priorities of Minnesotans and that is additional dollars into roads and bridges using existing funds, as well as middle-class tax relief.”

Governor Dayton yesterday offered to drop his push for a gas tax increase, which Republicans say is a step in the right direction.

House Minority Leader Paul Thissen responds: “While it is encouraging that House Republicans are finally acknowledging that new revenue is needed, their latest offer still relies heavily on the general fund, pitting future funding for our schools against roads and bridges. And it is discouraging that Republicans stubbornly refuse to invest even a penny in transit, despite calls from business and community leaders that recognize transit must be part of any statewide solution.”