No Transportation Fix For Minnesota

Nearly 6 weeks after the tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge, Minnesota's government still hasn't done anything about its crumbling infrastructure. This week the Minnesota Legislature finished up a short special session Governor Tim Pawlenty had called to deal with flooding in southern Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty made the legislature promise they would NOT deal with the transportation and bridge problems in the special session.

Why the delay? Governor Pawlenty who in the days after the bridge collapse said he would consider raising the gas tax to fund bridges changed his mind once the national TV cameras left. Now to please his "no new taxes" supporters the Governor wants to delay the issue until next year. In this video from just before the legislature adjourns, MN legislator Phyllis Kahn, whose district includes the bridge, talks about the frustration of not solving the problem.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Minnesota
• Bridge
• Collapse

[fitzthetoad]

Here is the sad truth about this speech. 4% of the state budget is spent on bridges and roads. 4%.

What about everything else she talked on? Sure I'll tell you. Combine Bridges, roads, police, fire, emergency response, Judges, the entire court system and you now have 19& of the states budget.

Know one in their right mind would take away any of that funding and almost everyone wants more to those services, BUT where does the other 81% go?

That should be what you ask.

[timby1234]

Our bridges are collapsing, our roads are in disrepair, our transit system is inadequate, and the state has not raised the gas tax for 22 years while inflation has cut its value in half. Even after we raised the gas tax with this funding bill, we are still in the middle of the pack as far as state gas taxes go. It's sad that some citizens value their money more than good and safe transportation systems. This is what government does best: provide for the common good, at all of our expenses.

[vikingscool]

Minnesota get override on Pawenlty's veto

for gas tax.

[mmcintee]

The NTSB has backed off the statement that a design flaw was the cause of the collapse. The rust on the bridge may have also had something to do with it. It's a shame that right-wing radio continues to spread the myth that the gas tax goes to fund light rail. That would be a violation on the MN State constitution.

[Hockeyfan22168]

It's sad that St. Paul steals as much from us as it does, wastes it on light rail we don't need and on disproportionate spending on outstate roads, and then uses this tragedy to attack taxpayers for even more money, even after it was confirmed that the problem with the bridge was its design, not a lack of inspections and certainly not a lack of funding.

[Namzso1]

Ok, so give me an intelligent reason explaining to me that we are under taxed in Minnesota.

[witlessworm]

Nice intelligent retort, your mother should be proud.

[Namzso1]

If you are up for more taxes why dont you donate your money?

[Saxman1806]

well becuz there are still thousands homeless, but hey gess getting to work 20 minets earleir is more important. this is lame

[witlessworm]

i rarely agree with phyllis on anything but there has to be a 1st time for everything right?