The first big battle of the legislative session took place this week and while Democrats in the State House & Senate attempted to work with the Republican minorities, they were met with what can only be described as infantile temper tantrums because they weren't given absolutely everything they wanted.
First, the Legislative Auditor came out with a report essentially describing the use of bonding as fiscally irresponsible and recommending a move back towards the "preservation first" policy of MN/DOT.
Second, the Democrats in the State Senate introduced the Safe Roads & Bridges Improvement Act. In the process of writing this bill, the Democrats consulted with both the Governor and the Bridge Office at Mn/DOT. Of the proposals recommended by the Governor, 100% of them appear in this legislation.
Finally, in the debate that occurred this past week on the final version of the bill, a controversial piece was removed that allowed the gas tax to be indexed to inflation. This was immediately pounced on by some as a sign that the DFL majorities were somehow weak. Unfortunately, the Republican minority in this state will never be satisfied with any amount of compromise unless that compromise equals complete acquiescence to their wishes. In fact, in a recent post Gary Gross even indicated that Republicans were willing to compromise for a 5 cent a gallon gas tax. Unfortunately, when those Republicans received that provision in the final bill, it was still met with opposition. Democrats even got the support of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as well as some local County Commissioners.
In response to these many compromises, the right wing blogosphere has mounted a campaign to impose the will of the minority upon the will of the majority. Larry Schumacher even uncovered what could be seen as the Republican Parties new method of dealing with those in the party that don't want to tow the party line.
I encourage everyone to find out who your legislator is and encourage them to stand up to the super minorities in the House and Senate so that we can finally get some comprehensive transportation solutions.
First, the Legislative Auditor came out with a report essentially describing the use of bonding as fiscally irresponsible and recommending a move back towards the "preservation first" policy of MN/DOT.
Second, the Democrats in the State Senate introduced the Safe Roads & Bridges Improvement Act. In the process of writing this bill, the Democrats consulted with both the Governor and the Bridge Office at Mn/DOT. Of the proposals recommended by the Governor, 100% of them appear in this legislation.
Finally, in the debate that occurred this past week on the final version of the bill, a controversial piece was removed that allowed the gas tax to be indexed to inflation. This was immediately pounced on by some as a sign that the DFL majorities were somehow weak. Unfortunately, the Republican minority in this state will never be satisfied with any amount of compromise unless that compromise equals complete acquiescence to their wishes. In fact, in a recent post Gary Gross even indicated that Republicans were willing to compromise for a 5 cent a gallon gas tax. Unfortunately, when those Republicans received that provision in the final bill, it was still met with opposition. Democrats even got the support of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as well as some local County Commissioners.
In response to these many compromises, the right wing blogosphere has mounted a campaign to impose the will of the minority upon the will of the majority. Larry Schumacher even uncovered what could be seen as the Republican Parties new method of dealing with those in the party that don't want to tow the party line.
I encourage everyone to find out who your legislator is and encourage them to stand up to the super minorities in the House and Senate so that we can finally get some comprehensive transportation solutions.
