Guest Column, by Paul Marquart

Minnesotans rightfully expect this Legislature to work together this session to finally pass a comprehensive transportation bill. Unfortunately, a recent column from Rep. Peggy Bennett indicates she is more interested in blaming others than working together to reach consensus on a plan that will actually fix our state’s roads and bridges across the state.

If we are truly to solve this problem this session then we need to be honest about it, and both sides need to be willing to compromise. That begins by being honest about the scope of the problem. Both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge that we need a $600 million a year investment to maintain our existing roads and bridges and make needed improvements. Unfortunately, Rep. Bennett and the House Republican majority plan would not accomplish this. It relies heavily on one-time surplus dollars that will be gone by the next budget cycle. Worse, the plan would rob money from the general fund, which funds our schools and hospitals and other essential services. The Speaker of the House has said that their plan would “starve out” the general fund. Many of us believe we need to fund our roads and bridges, but not if it means starving our schools.

Rep. Bennett would have you believe that Democrats are choosing transit instead of roads and bridges in their transportation plan. This is simply false. Most of the funds that would be spent on transit in the metro area come from federal sources and would never be available for our use for roads and bridges. And more importantly, metro transit would be paid for almost entirely by a metro sales tax, not by taking money that would fund roads and bridges in Greater Minnesota. Presenting a false choice about transit versus roads and bridges might be a helpful political talking point for Rep. Bennett, but the plain fact is we need a solution to fix our roads and bridges in Greater Minnesota and one that allows us to make transit improvements in the metro area.

Finally, a note on compromise, because everyone knows that’s what it will take to get something done. We believe a compromise solution needs to provide sufficient funding to not only maintain our roads and bridges, but to provide expansion where necessary to enhance commerce and improve road safety. That means $600 million per year in new money for roads and bridges, including $200 million per year devoted to the Corridors of Commerce.

If we take elements from the plans of Gov. Dayton, the House and the Senate, we can find consensus. But everyone must be prepared to accept they won’t get everything they wanted. That’s how compromise works, and that’s how we can deliver results for the Minnesotans who are eager for its legislature to act like grown-ups.

“My way or the highway” will mean no fixed highways in Greater Minnesota. It’s time for this Legislature to accept the responsibility of getting the job done for transportation. Compromise is the vehicle. I’m on board. I hope Rep. Bennett will join me.

 

Deputy Minority Leader Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, is the District 4B representative.