Dayton express hope Tuesday morning that he would be able to call a special session, but said he is “discouraged” more then optimistic.
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The tax bill is not the only thing that will be lost in the wind if legislators don’t come to an agreement. Many areas in greater Minnesota have limited to no broadband, leaving a significant technology gap with the Twin Cities and other regional hubs.
Dayton said the flaw needs to be fixed before he signs the bill but, of course, only a special session will allow that to happen. Historically, roads and bridges are paid for with gas taxes and vehicle registration tab fees, but the gas tax and vehicle fees are just not raising enough money anymore, and the state needs to come up with a long-term solution for funding, advocates say.
Farmer opposition to the taxes has resulted in many school construction votes failing. It would provide a sales tax exemption for materials used in construction of the plant that would provide an estimated $9.8 million benefit over three years. Another $10 million boost in state aid was headed to counties. It is projected to save Minnesota businesses $115 million in the next biennium. And folded into the measure are tax breaks for working families.
A bill directly inspired by the death of the singer was introduced in Minnesota’s Senate and House of Representatives.
House Republicans ratcheted up pressure on Dayton to sign the bill Monday, bringing a throng of farmers, parents and veterans to St. Paul to help make their case.
Dayton has invited legislative leaders to meet with him privately on Tuesday.
“It probably is a good time for us to step back a little bit and not react”, Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt said.
Before the tax error was found, a special legislative session was being discussed to approve more than $1 billion in transportation and other public works projects.
“We’re expected to get our work done, to get our work done right and to take responsibility when that doesn’t happen”, said House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis.
But local Democrats defended the governor’s decision not to sign the bill by Monday’s midnight deadline because of a $100 million wording error. “That is compromise. Anything beyond that, (Dayton)’s going to have to do pretty heavy convincing”.
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Still, special session talks seems to have lost urgency as both sides retreat to talking points and political positioning in anticipation of November’s legislative elections. Lawmakers need to fix errors in the bill during a special session.
