This ain't Route 66

Posted at 4:23 PM on December 12, 2007 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)

The blog has seen this billboard several times over the last few weeks while driving on Hwy. 280. It always makes me think of a few questions. First off - Who in the heck if Progress in Motion?

MinnPost says the group is an offshoot of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance.

Well, that was easy enough. Here are the questions that I can't answer:

How big of a street fight is transportation funding going to be when lawmakers return for the legislative session (I guess I can answer that one too - it will be big). There's no doubt that the House will try to override Gov. Pawlenty's veto of the transportation package that included a gas tax increase, a sales tax increase for transit and wheelage tax. Will the GOP House stand tall and block an override again? Can you imagine the campaign lit pieces that will be created on both sides?

Is this the year the gas tax goes up?

Finally, What does the average Joe/Jane think of this sign? Is it effective? Will it change any minds. Will people dig in for the fight?

Discuss...

Comments (1)

It isn't true, as implied by the billboard, that there won't be any money to spend on transportation if we don't have new taxes. Current taxes that are dedicated to roads and bridges--the gas tax, tab fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes--will bring in $1.3 billion every year. And there is nothing to prevent the legislature from appropriating general fund money to transportation.

Posted by sara amaden | December 14, 2007 8:19 AM

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