True North

But doesn’t go far enough to fund state highways

ST. PAUL – Governor Pawlenty today released his 2008 capital investment proposal and with it came one step closer to slowing the annual crush of wasteful pork projects that state legislators use to buy their re-elections. The last two major bonding bills (in 2005 and 2006) topped out at nearly $1 billion with little money designated for transportation projects. This year, Governor Pawlenty is aiming to spend $255 million of his total billion dollar proposal to fund road and bridge projects – more than any other bonding bill in the history of Minnesota.

“This is certainly a good start for the 2008 capital investment bill,” said Phil Krinkie, President of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota and former chairman of the House Capital Investment Committee. “We absolutely agree with the Governor’s proposal that the bonding bill should focus on road and bridge projects. However, it’s unfortunate that the Governor doesn’t suggest using Government Obligation (G.O.) bonds for state highway projects. But anything that sets out to trim the amount of fat that is usually spent on local pork projects is a welcomed start.”

At a Capitol press conference last Friday, Taxpayers League President Phil Krinkie laid out a similarly-themed bonding proposal that would use G.O. bonds for Minnesota road and bridge projects.

Another disagreement that the Taxpayers League has with the Governor’s proposal is the suggestion that Trunk Highway Bonds be used to pay for repairs at various state facilities including the office building at 395 John Ireland Boulevard. “The public shouldn’t be told that there isn’t enough revenue for state road and bridge projects when over $50 million in gas tax dollars are going to build or repair state buildings. These projects should be funded with state general fund dollars.”

Krinkie concluded: “All state infrastructure projects should be judged based on their public benefit. Higher Education and Environmental projects should compete equally with state highway projects for funding.

Cross-posted at Taxpayer's League of Minnesota.