Minnesota

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5/16/07-Gov. Tim Pawlenty wasted little time Tuesday, May 15, to veto a nickel-per-gallon increase in the state's fuel tax.
Less than 24 hours after the House and Senate approved a transportation bill, Pawlenty kept his promise to strike down the effort. He said adding to the state's 20-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel and gas would be "untimely and misguided."
DFL lawmakers said they will pursue an override of the governor's veto on their bill.
The Senate voted 47-17 Monday, May 14, to approve the transportation funding bill shortly after House lawmakers passed it 90-43. The tallies were mostly along party lines.
The bill - HF946 - received the minimum number of House votes needed to override a veto. Senators cleared the bill with two votes to spare.
The nickel boost to the state's fuel tax is the centerpiece of a bill that would raise $534 million for transportation work during the next two years. Over the course of the next decade, the plan would generate $7 billion for roads, bridges and transit.
The bill also would authorize a 2.5-cent-per-gallon surcharge to be extracted from consumers to pay off $1.5 billion in bonds during the next decade.
Revenue also would be generated by allowing Twin Cities-area counties to impose a half-cent sales tax for local projects. Rural counties would need voter approval to impose their own taxes.
The Legislature has until Monday, May 21, to attempt an override of the transportation bill, authorize bonding sought by the governor, or wrap up their work without shoring up funding for roads, bridges and transit.

5/15/07-A bill that would increase the state fuel tax in by 5 cents has been sent to Gov. Tim Pawlenty for an anticipated veto.
The Senate voted 47-17 to approve the transportation funding bill shortly after House lawmakers passed it 90-43. HF946 received the minimum number of House votes needed to override a veto. Senators cleared the bill with two votes to spare.
The nickel boost to the state's 20-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel and gas is the centerpiece of a bill that would raise $534 million for transportation work during the next two years. Over the course of the next decade, the plan would generate $7 billion for roads, bridges and transit.
In addition to the 5-cent tax boost, the bill would authorize a 2.5-cent-per-gallon surcharge to be extracted from consumers to pay off $1.5 billion in bonds during the next decade.
Revenue also would be generated by allowing Twin Cities-area counties to impose a half-cent sales tax for local projects. Rural counties would need voter approval to impose their own taxes.
For bill status, call (651) 296-6646.