2008 Legislative Session

The 2008 Minnesota Legislative session has begun. Leaders gaveled in what's traditionally known as a bonding session on Tuesday but some lawmakers want to include policy discussions. Grand Rapids Representative Loren Solberg said transportation funding is at the top of his list, both roads and bridges and mass tansit. Royalton Lawmaker Al Doty said agrees that a transportation funding bill has to be considered and passed. The one introduced on Tuesday calls for a 5-cent gas tax increase, an increase in a metro-area sales tax and increased license tab fees for new cars. Long Prairie Lawmaker Mary Ellen Otremba said her focus is also on rural matters like health care for farmers and an investment package for small and large farmers. The transportation bill was sent to committee on the first day of session. The second day of session won't begin until later in the afternoon because of Governor Pawlenty's State of the State speech in St. Cloud.