Governor's Veto Stalls Transportation Bill Despite Strong Support for Transit

MAY 24, 2007. Despite strong public and legislative support for increased bus service, a metropolitan-wide rail system, and better transit service in Greater Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty’s veto of the transportation bill prevented this vision from moving forward. The veto included a half-cent regional sales tax where up to 75 percent of revenues (approximately $165 million per year) would have substantially increased funding for metropolitan area transit, and a share of the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (Transportation Amendment revenue) would have expanded transit in Greater Minnesota. 72 percent of metropolitan area residents supported the half cent sales tax increase, according to a Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy poll.

Even though the bill was vetoed, we accomplished a lot together this year. Transit received more support this year at the legislature than any previous year, mainly due to our collective efforts to raise awareness about transit needs across the metro and in greater Minnesota. In fact, recent polling data showed that 72 percent of metro residents support a ½ cent sales tax for transit and roads, and legislators supported our funding plan by a nearly 2-to-1 ratio. We should be proud of our campaign and our efforts!

Veto Override Attempt Fails
Unfortunately, the House defeated the veto override of the transportation funding bill late last night. 90 votes were needed for an override and the “yeas” held strong at 86 votes, with a few hold outs, until the last minute. In the end, the swing legislators voted “no” after realizing that the bill was a few votes short for an override.  The final vote (83 yeas and 50 nays) was almost strictly along party lines with no Republicans voting for the override and two Democrats (Otremba and Wollschlager) voting “no”.  We came within a few votes of a historic victory.  The legislature can decide to take up the override vote again during a special session or next legislative session.

Bonding Bill Veto Stands
Another casualty of the governor’s veto pen was the capital bonding bill. Efforts to revive the projects supported by the legislature did not make it in time to meet the midnight deadline. The bonding bill passed by the legislature included $40 million for the Central Corridor and additional funding for a number of other transitways. Planning for these projects will continue, but the 2008 legislative session will be critical in securing the necessary state funding for the Central Corridor light rail transit project.

“Lights-On” Bill Passed
Earlier in the day, both the House and Senate passed a “lights on” transportation funding bill that maintains the transportation funding status quo. This bill was proposed to ensure that a failure to override Governor Pawlenty’s veto wouldn’t lead to a shutdown of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Metropolitan Area Transit. The bill contains a one-time additional appropriation of $20 million for Metropolitan Area Transit in fiscal year 2008 to prevent service cuts.

It is critical that we continue our collective efforts to ensure that the transit budget grows to provide a transportation system that can make our communities more vibrant and successful, connecting our state and shaping communities that we are proud to call home.

Thank Your Legislators!
Please take a minute and thank the legislators who supported transportation this session!  137 legislators supported a comprehensive, long-term transportation funding bill this session. Two years ago, we struggled to get 68 votes in the House for the Erhardt Amendment, which contained the proposed constitutional dedication of the motor vehicle sales tax, otherwise known as the Transportation Amendment funding. Before the Governor’s veto, 90 House members and 47 Senate members supported the transportation funding bill. This is a truly a leap in support, and these legislators deserve thanks for their courageous stand.

Thank You from Transit for Livable Communities!
Thank you for taking action to support transit during this campaign. We had great turnout at town hall meetings and legislative hearings, made hundreds of calls and e-mails to key legislators, and made an amazing final push that resulted in passing a strong transportation bill that only fell a few votes short of an override.

Your support helped us pass the Transportation Amendment in November and ensure that the Northstar Commuter Rail and the Central Corridor light rail transit line are on their way to becoming part of the Twin Cities’ transit system. Transit for Livable Communities’ strength lies in our members, and especially in leaders like you. We can’t thank you enough.

Future Plans
This summer, Transit for Livable Communities will travel Minnesota to organize an even broader constituency to advocate for increased bus service and a metropolitan-wide transit system next year.  After some analysis, we will be asking members to help us organize in key communities so we will be well prepared for a win in 2008!

If you have questions about the legislative session or transit policy, please contact Dave Van Hattum at 651-767-0298 or DaveVH@tlcminnesota.org