Supplemental transportation budget passes Senate committee

On Wednesday, the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee passed a supplemental transportation budget. The supplemental budget is aimed at expediting fixes for the troubled Minnesota Licensing and Vehicle Registration System (MNLARS), enacting various common sense policy, and ensuring the state’s transportation budget is on track. The legislation now awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.

“I am tremendously pleased to see this supplemental budget pass the committee. While this bill places a high priority on providing the funding and oversight needed to fix MNLARS, it also contains provisions aimed at keeping Minnesota a great place to live, work, and raise a family for years to come,” said Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), chairman of the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. “It is important to address the transportation needs of all regions of our state, and this bill does just that.”

The legislation contains $15.1 million for MNLARS fixes, with the requirement that the money can only be used for contracted staff and technology costs. It also contains $9 million for reimbursements to deputy registrars – small business owners across Minnesota who have faced significant financial hardship because of the government’s software failure. Finally, in response to requests made by deputy registrars, this bill will enable them to perform an expanded set of functions necessary for the scope of their jobs.

In addition, among many other provisions, the legislation includes:

  • Language prohibiting any light rail transit line to be constructed in existing freight and light rail corridors.
  • A provision increasing the fine for persons driving slower than the flow of traffic while in the left lane.
  • A requirement that “Corridors of Commerce” funds be spent equally between rural and urban areas.

“This legislation is good for Minnesota – a continued investment into the future of our state,” said Senator Newman. “Minnesota has pressing transportation needs, and I’m confident this legislation addresses some of those needs in a common sense manner.”

Senator Scott Newman is serving his third term representing Senate District 18, which includes communities in McLeod, Meeker, Sibley, and Wright Counties. Senator Newman serves as chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee and served as co-chair of the transportation budget conference committee.