Brainerd Lawmaker Says Taxpayers Grateful

Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said he has heard from constituents about the passage of the Transportation Bill and the increase of the state gas tax. Ward said the first 2-cent increase will appear on Minnesota gas pumps on April 1st. Ward said voters he's heard from say thank you for taking care of a problem that hasn't been taken care of for 20 years. First term Representative Ward said his constituents say oil companies are making major profits and "thank you for making our roads more safe, proving family transportation and providing for a cleaner environment." The second installment - 3.5-cents - of the Minnesota gas tax increase goes into effect in October.