Veto override fails; no new transit funds

05/22/2007

By Conrad Defiebre,
Star Tribune
Last update: May 22, 2007


Chances of a major infusion of funds for Minnesota roads and transit fell by the wayside late Monday as an attempt to override a gubernatorial veto failed on a House vote of 83-50. Ninety votes in support, two-thirds of the House, were needed to enact the $8.3 billion, 10-year bill over Gov. Tim Pawlenty's objection.

Pawlenty objected to its $6.4 billion in taxes on gasoline, vehicles and general sales in the Twin Cities. It would have raised the gas tax by 5 cents a gallon on Sept. 1, plus another 2½ cents over time to cover debt service on $1.5 billion in highway bonds.

The House tabled the omnibus tax bill to take up the override vote at 11:30 p.m. As they had done all day on other bills, Republican opponents mounted a lengthy debate in opposition.

While the earlier votes in both chambers exceeded the two-thirds majorities needed to enact a bill over the governor's objection, some House Republicans who supported original passage said they wouldn't defy Pawlenty's veto, and they made good on their word at 11:50 p.m.

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