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Hello from the State Capitol,
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Small cities could be the beneficiary of new transportation funding this session, as the Minnesota House is currently drafting a comprehensive transportation finance and policy proposal that will be unveiled in the days ahead.
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Last year, the legislative majority passed numerous tax increases in transportation, but as it reallocated that money it forgot about small cities.
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I?m pleased Greater Minnesota communities are receiving some needed attention. Last session, the legislative majority spent an $18 billion budget surplus, raised taxes by roughly $10 billion, and increased state government spending by 40%.
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This year they?re showing a measure of restraint in the transportation arena. The bill currently includes no new taxes and fees, and there?s not a lot of spending, but the vast majority that is there would go to small cities? road and bridge needs.
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The Minnesota Senate will also propose a transportation funding package in the weeks ahead. Eventually, both legislative bodies will try to craft compromise legislation, and once that happens, I?m hopeful new small cities funding will be included.
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Have a good weekend,
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Bjorn
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