LAWMAKERS PASS $6.6-BILLION TRANSPORTATION BILL

The Minnesota House and Senate have approved this year's version of the Transportation Finance Bill. Governor Pawlenty has said he will veto the bill because it increases the state gas tax by 8.5-cents per gallon, adds to a metro-area sales tax by 1/4% and creates a wheelage tax. Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said the bill will spend roughly an additional $440,000 for Brainerd area roads, $300,000 for Baxter area roads and bridges and add about $1,000,000 to Crow Wing County's highway budget. Royalton lawmaker Al Doty said he didn't know anybody who was happy with the bill passed by the House last night but everybody would be in years to come. Bemidji State Senator Mary Olson said the Transportation Bill is mostly about safety. Elbow Lake lawmaker Torrey Westrom said the bill spreads the cost of metro light rail and transit systems to taxpayers state-wide. Two House Democrats voted against the Transportation and six Republicans voted in favor. House Leaders said if this Transportation Bill isn't signed into law, they won't write another one this year. Lakes Area Lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill include Representatives John Ward-Brainerd; Al Doty-Royalton; Larry Haws-St. Cloud; Loren Solbert-Grand Rapids; Senators Mary Olson-Bemidji; and Tom Saxhaug-Grand Rapids. Those voting no included Bill Ingebritson-Alexandria; Paul Koering-Fort Ripley; Mary Ellen Otremba-Long Prairie; Larry Howes-Walker; Dean Simpson-Perham.