Residual Forces

The Strib has a write up on the Transportation Tax Bill.

Just ahead: Big votes on gas tax hike

Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina, said House Republicans will be divided between remaining loyal to Republican leaders and answering voters, who want more money for transportation. “I’m sure there are people — legislators — that are under great pressure from their communities,” he said. “Does the governor win, or do the constituents win?”

Override may be a win-win

One scenario that may be gaining credence, he said, is a situation where the Legislature would override a governor’s veto of the transportation bill, allowing Pawlenty to keep his no-new-taxes pledge and yet have transportation funding increase. “Everybody gets what they want,” he said.

“We need a billion [dollars] a year, so it’s not outlandish,” he said of the DFL transportation bill.

I think I need to remind everyone, including Rep. Erhardt, that the voters don’t want massive tax increases.

Do you think the state gas tax should? Or should not? Be increased to pay for improving the condition of our roads and bridges?
36% Should
59% Should Not
5% Not Sure

Would you support or oppose increasing license registration fees, or license tabs, in order to pay for transportation funding?

33% Support
62% Oppose
5% Not Sure

Would you support or oppose increasing the metro area sales tax in order to pay for transportation funding?
37% Support
54% Oppose
9% Not Sure

If the state budget deficit increases, which of the following should be done to balance the budget? Increase the income tax? Increase other taxes and fees? Cut spending? Should all of those things be done? Or should none of these things be done?
7% Increase The Income Tax
11% Increase Other Taxes And Fees
58% Cut Spending
17% All Of These
5% None Of These
3% Not Sure

Which one of the following issues is the most important one facing state government this year? Transportation funding? Balancing the budget? Funding for state building projects? Or something else?
19% Transportation Funding
51% Balancing The Budget
4% Funding For State Building Projects
22% Something Else
6% Not Sure