Olson Likes Session Results

Bemidji State Senator Mary Olson said Tuesday that this was a very positive legislative session, including the way that it ended. Olson said for everyone to come together for a final negotiated settlement was a positive achievement. Governor Pawlenty and elected officials from both parties met around the clock for the last 24 hours before the end of the session. Agreement was reached around 11:45pm Sunday night, roughly 15 minutes before the official end. Olson said highlights from the session include overriding the governor’s veto of the transportation finance bill and gas tax increase. Olson said another important accomplishment was the passage of a constitutional amendment to raise a sales tax and dedicate the money to outdoors activity and the arts.