Gov. Mark Dayton at his State of the State address
Democrats in the Minnesota Senate have an announcement on transportation scheduled first thing Monday morning as the 2016 session begins its second week. The question is whether it might signal a significant change in direction on an issue that’s been stalemated at the legislature for over a year. Governor Mark Dayton proposed a gas tax increase, to which Republicans responded with a firm “no”. Dayton in State of the State address Wednesday night said, “I’m waiting for an alternative. I’m willing to be flexible, but I will also insist on a real solution. No smoke and mirrors.” Republicans say their plan, using money from the surplus and redirecting other budget dollars, would provide as much money for roads and bridges as Dayton’s plan, and without a gas tax increase — but Democrats warn it would take money from schools and nursing homes.