DFLers offer sweeping transportation initiative

02/12/2008

By MIKE KASZUBA,
Star Tribune
Last update: February 12, 2008

DFLers unveiled a sweeping transportation initiative today that they said would boost the economy, create 33,000 jobs annually, provide a steady money stream for mass transit and fix the state's most deficient bridges.

But the bill, which is many ways similar to a proposal that stalled last year, would also boost license tabs on luxury cars, usher in the first state gas tax increases in two decades and levy a half-cent sales tax in the Twin Cities metro area that mostly would go for transit, roads and bridges.

"This bill is a courageous step forward," said Sen. Steve Murphy, the Senate Tranportation chair, who spoke at a news conference flanked by DFL legislators. "This puts the political courage above political ambition."

With the bill almost certain to pass the Senate, Murphy and other DFLers hedged on whether they had enough Republican votes in the House to pass the proposal there. But Murphy, flanked by Rep. Bernard Lieder, the House Transportation Finance chair, said he would have a bill approved by both Houses on Gov. Tim Pawlenty's desk by the end of the month.

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert said he believed House Republicans would prevent an override vote in the House, and said the proposal -- like other DFL initiatives -- would be "just more money coming out of people's pockets."

DFLers also brushed aside polls showing that voters are wary of gas tax increases. "Sometimes I think we have an obligation, as legislators, to do what we think is right," said Lieder.

Under the proposal, a 7 1/2-cent gas tax increase would be phased in, starting with a 2-cent hike immediately and another 3-cent increase this fall. The remaining 2 1/2-cent increase would go into effect in 2010, but would gradually be reduced as state bonds that are part of the DFL transportation package are retired.

A half-cent metrowide sales tax -- which would not be subject to a voter referendum -- would go to transit projects, which Murphy said had become "stagnant" since the opening of Minnesota's first light rail line.

Debate is scheduled to begin today on the bill, which DFLers said would provide $8.4 billion in investment.