Transportation
I believe that comprehensive, modern and safe transportation systems as well as the development and promotion of more efficient and alternative fuel sources are essential to the successful future of Minnesota. As I have been out talking to voters, it is clear that the condition of our streets and roads is of major concern and importance. People are concerned about maintenance and disrepair – existing roads have deteriorated and are now in their worst condition in decades, according to the state Department of Transportation. I support increased state funding for transportation to meet current and future requirements for highway and public transit construction, operation, and maintenance. In November, we will all have the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that would permanently dedicate all existing Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) to transportation purposes. This is not a new tax. This was the intended purpose when the Legislature enacted this policy in 1981. However, lawmakers have used the money for other purposes, and today only 54 percent of the MVST dollars is used for transportation. The Legislature approved the amendment in the 2005 session, and voters have the final say on whether it is enacted. I support passage of the constitutional dedication of 100 percent of MVST revenues to transportation and which would allocate at least 40 percent for public transit assistance and not more than 60 percent for highway purposes. All of this money would be derived from the existing 6.5-cent tax collected on the sales of all new and used motor vehicles. This permanent injection of funds would be accomplished without raising any taxes. An effective transportation system includes roads, airports, highways, and public transportation – including busses, and light and heavy rail. I support the expansion of light rail and commuter rail service in and around the Twin Cities Metro region. We expect one million more Minnesotans by the year 2020 and we need advance planning for how we will all move from here to there. While I believe that it is important that federal fuel efficiency standards be raised, it is clear that the states cannot stand by and wait for the federal government to take action. Minnesota needs to promote better fuel efficiency within our state. Regulating something as simple as the quality of replacement tires and making low resistance tires available to consumers is a simple way to improve fuel economy. Additionally, Minnesota should provide incentives for people to buy smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles and gas-electric hybrids. Currently, nine states allow owners of fuel efficient hybrids to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of how many passengers are in the vehicle. Ten states offer state tax incentives such as rebates or sales tax waivers to consumers purchasing hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicles. Several cities offer free meter-parking for hybrids (time limits on the meter were still enforced). There are many innovative ways we can promote better fuel economy within our own state. By providing state incentives for consumers to buy more fuel efficient vehicles, we protect not only the environment, but also our economic and national security as we help move the nation away from its reliance on oil. | 
