ST. PAUL, MN — As the Legislature prepares for an expected special session to finalize the state budget, the public and members of the Legislature are raising serious concerns over the lack of public hearings or testimony in the Transportation Working Group sessions, especially when the proposed bill contains new, never heard, major policy and funding changes.
Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville), the Republican Chair of the House Transportation Committee, questioned the process for shutting out Minnesotans while negotiating behind closed doors.
“Minnesotans deserve to have a voice, especially when over $93 million in metro-area sales tax revenue is being handed over to the Met Council,” said Rep. Koznick. “This is a massive shift in how transportation dollars are spent, and the public deserves the opportunity to provide input.”
Equally troubling is the lack of proper process around how this bill is moving forward. Major changes, including the $93 million funding shift and a new sales tax on electric vehicle charging, were added without going through the Tax or Transportation open committee process.
Chair Koznick is calling for this bill to be heard by the Taxes Committee, and at least a public hearing to give Minnesotans, county officials, and stakeholders the opportunity to review and weigh in on these significant changes before the bill gets jammed into a special session.
“This bill includes significant tax and funding changes that deserve public scrutiny and input,” said Koznick. “It’s not too much to ask that the bill to be heard by the Taxes Committee, that there be an opportunity for Minnesotans and local officials to weigh in, and that the bill language be posted well in advance of a public hearing next week. That’s how we ensure better outcomes and avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary tax increases on Minnesotans.”
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