Members of the MN House and Senate are nearing final negotiations on a transportation funding package. Here's a summary of the funding packages and polling information.
The SENATE proposal includes a 6 cent gas tax increase, the creation of a multi-modal transportation fund, indexing of the gas tax (adjusting the gas tax rate for inflation) and � cent sales tax referendum for transportation investment in the metropolitan transportation area (11 metro counties). Both the multi-modal fund and the revenues generated by the sales tax could be used for both highways and transit investments. The Senate proposal restores the recent transit cuts and creates opportunities for modest service increases. The HOUSE proposal authorizes $750 million in highway bonds but does not provide any new funding to finance those bonds. The proposal does not include any new funding for transit. There is widespread consensus that traffic congestion is a serious problem. 95% of respondents in a Metropolitan Council survey say traffic congestion in Twin Cities in past year has increased or stayed the same. 91%, in Decision Resources poll, say metro area congestion is a serious problem. The public, overwhelmingly, supports transportation choices and is willing to pay higher taxes for a transportation system that supports both roads and transit. 75% of respondents in a University of Minnesota and Metropolitan Council survey agree that light rail, exclusive busways and commuter rail lines are needed to meet the metro area's long range transportation needs. By a 2-to-1 ratio, Decision Resources poll says the public is willing to pay higher taxes to support transportation. The Governor and Senate are in step with the public on this issue: advocating a balanced transportation funding package that will responsibly address the region's urgent mobility needs. For information on how to contact your legislators, click on http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legdir.htm To link to a Star Tribune editorial on this issue, go to www.startribune.com/stories/561/2119696.html Jennifer Lovaasen Outreach Coordinator Metropolitan Council Former Prospect Park resident Former Nokomis East Neighborhood Association Executive Director _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
