Capitol Comments, By Peggy Bennett

With just a few weeks left in the legislative session, we are tackling some of the big issues facing our state. At the top of the list for many across Minnesota is funding a long-term, sustainable way to expand and repair our roads and bridges.

Despite differences in philosophy, both Republicans and Democrats see road and bridge funding as an area of importance in 2016. Instead of imposing an additional 16 cent per gallon tax on gas — which hurts low-income Minnesotans most — the plan I support spends $7 billion on transportation over 10 years by using existing revenue streams, not raising taxes. With a budget surplus and a chance to pass a bonding bill this session, we don’t need to increase the gas tax.

An increase to the gas tax would hit border communities the hardest. Simply put, it would make our area less competitive with Iowa than we already are. Furthermore, by definition, a tax on gasoline is not a sustainable way to fund a long-term transportation plan. Advances in technology are making vehicles more fuel efficient, and we’re always looking for ways to improve miles per gallon and limit gas consumption. As cars continue to use less gasoline, our revenue streams will shrink, putting our future road and bridge funding in jeopardy.

Along with funding options, the discussion around transportation should also focus on priorities. Over 98 percent of Minnesotans rely on roads and bridges to travel to work or pick their kids up from school. Democrats in St. Paul prefer to spend over $1 billion to fund a new light rail expansion. With that money, we could repave six lanes of every interstate in Minnesota, fund metro transit bus service until 2020 and fund a bridge on Highway 109 over Interstate 90 in our district.

The Republican plan also emphasizes a need to assist small cities across the state. Communities with under 5,000 residents like Glenville, Clarks Grove, Wells and more in our area would receive increased transportation funding. Just like in metro areas, these small cities have roads and bridges in need of repair, and our plan reflects that need.

Although we’re closing in on the final weeks of the session, I remain optimistic we can come to an agreement on a long-term, sustainable transportation plan. We can fix and expand roads and bridges throughout the state without raising taxes on hardworking Minnesotans.

 

Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, is the District 27A representative.