Category Archives: Transportation

Governor, House and Senate move forward with budget framework in place

As the 2013 Legislative Session quickly draws to a close, the final pieces of the budget are coming into place. Over the weekend, Governor Dayton and House and Senate leaders agreed to a budget framework for the upcoming FY 2014-15 biennium that … Continue reading

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10 Ways in 10 Days Four: Invest in Transportation

Day Four of Invest in Minnesota’s 10 Ways in 10 Days focuses on the importance of investments in transportation. It features a St. Paul resident who is a frequent public transit user: Marc Wayman’s job requires him to be available … Continue reading

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Agreement between Governor Dayton and Legislature cuts transit by $54 million

Details of the agreement between Governor Dayton and the Legislature on funding transportation emerged Monday afternoon. The bill includes more than $54 million in reductions to mass transit in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. While this level of cuts is … Continue reading

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Legislature makes a budget offer

On Thursday, the legislature presented an offer to Governor Dayton that withdraws $203 million in tax cuts and slightly backs off of spending cuts in some areas. The major elements of the offer include: Withdrawing the $203 million in tax cuts … Continue reading

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A tale of two visions: Mass transit

The visions presented by Governor Dayton and legislature for mass transit in Minnesota could not be more different. The legislature cuts general fund support for transportation by $118 million, or 65 percent, with nearly all of these cuts falling on transit services … Continue reading

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Cuts-only approach jeopardizes the economic self-sufficiency of rural families in need of transportation assistance

Today, Way Nine of the 20 Ways in 20 Days Campaign looks at how a cuts-only approach to meeting Minnesota’s needs will jeopardize the economic self-sufficiency of rural families in need of transportation assistance. Proposed Cut: The Senate has proposed the … Continue reading

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House plan derails transit, Senate proposes lesser cuts

Transit is a basic public service, getting people to and from work and school, and reducing congestion and pollution. Public transit helps the downtown office commuter avoid rush-hour headaches and high parking fees, but it is particularly important for those who either can’t afford a car or who can’t drive. … Continue reading

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Governor Dayton revises budget in response to new deficit numbers

Governor Dayton acted quickly on Monday and released preliminary changes to his budget proposal to reflect the newly released February Forecast, which showed the deficit had shrunk to $5.0 billion. His preliminary list of changes takes advantage of the $1.2 billion improvement in the state’s … Continue reading

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Cuts to transit could lead to fare increases, reduced service

Mass transit is an essential means of transportation asset for many, both in the metro area and in Greater Minnesota. According to Transit for Livable Communities (TLC), 60 percent of metro area riders are using transit to get to work, and transit also acts as … Continue reading

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OMB issues initial guidance on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Peter Orszag has sent a pretty detailed memo to all federal departments and agencies involved in the disbursement of funds from the newly-enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The 62-page memo explains the Obama … Continue reading

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