Chamber of Commerce backs revised transportation bill

Posted at 3:40 PM on February 21, 2008 by Tom Scheck

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is now backing a transportation funding bill now that the Minnesota House has scaled back the size of a metrowide sales tax. The House bill still includes a nickel a gallon gas tax increase (along with a three and a half cent surcharge to pay off construction debt) and an increase in license tab fees on new car purchases. The House has voted to scale back the size of the metrowide sales tax from a half cent to a quarter cent. The Chamber said in a letter to lawmakers that:

"We are pleased that legislators have been willing to compromise on a final package. One that looks very similar to the proposal that we have put forward. Although not perfect, we believe that HF 2800 with its 5 cent fuel tax increase; 3.5 cent fuel tax surcharge for bonding; 1/4 cent Twin Cities metropolitan area only sales tax for transit; and, transportation investment efficiency study commission represents significant progress for roads, bridges, and transit. The bill is expensive and the business community can not afford any additions that add more cost. The bill is expensive and the business community can not afford any additions that add more cost... ...With the provisions described in this paragraph, we urge legislators to vote "yes" on the amended HF 2800." (emphasis is in the chamber letter)

The Chamber position could convince a few more GOP members to support the bill.

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