With less than two months left to the legislative session, the great transportation debate is heating up.
The Governors Transportation Plan – Would raise $11 Billion over 10 years for roads bridges and mass transit, relying heavily on a wholesale gas tax increase. A portion of the funding would also come from higher license tab fees and a Twin Cities sales tax hike for transit.
The Full Plan >>
The Republicans Plan – Would raise $7 Billion by re-routing existing funds. Much of the funding would come from some existing sales taxes that now feed the general state treasury such as, motor vehicle lease tax, rental car tax, and the auto parts sales tax.
The Full Plan >>
Where they agree – Both sides agree that a major transportation package is needed. Both parties are talking about a 10-year, multibillion-dollar proposal, which improves the odds of some kind of compromise.
Poll: Gas Tax Hike Splits Minnesotans – A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll taken March 16-18 shows that there is a divide depending on where you live.
OPPOSE: 52%
Support: 45%
The opposition is fiercest in the suburbs outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties and in outstate Minnesota, where about 3 out of 5 residents are against the plan. Respondents in Hennepin and Ramsey counties favored the gas tax, 59 to 37 percent.
