MN Legislative Session: Roads, Budget Among Top Issues

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The sound of the dropped gavel kicked off the 2015 legislative session Tuesday.  Minnesota lawmakers have a big to-do list for the upcoming session.  A newly divided government may cause some debate or disagreement, but both parties agree on what important issues need to be addressed.Crafting the state budget and improving transportation conditions are just a few."Clearly the number one priority of this session is the budget, " said Rep. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth). Over the coming weeks, talk of budget and taxes will take over Minnesota."When we came in two years ago, we had a very significant deficit and now we are coming in two years later with a pretty substantial surplus," said Rep. Carly Melin (DFL-Hibbing). Fixing Minnesota’s roads and bridges is also a major concern. "All of those transit connections are what allows us to be economically viable as a regional center," said Reinert. How we pay for those repairs is a huge question, according to lawmakers. "We are going to have some very difficult conversations about how to fund it, but I think we are going to make some significant progress this year on roads, bridges and transit in Minnesota," said Reinert. Gov. Mark Dayton is calling for a wholesale gas tax to cover the funds for repairs."Everything that people care about costs money somewhere and so we have to set those priorities and then fund them appropriately," said Reinert. It's a plan that isn’t supported throughout the House."I've always been hesitant to impose a gas tax," said Melin. Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) agreed transportation will be a vital issue for lawmakers and will push for major change in the Northland."We've got some things we want to do with the St. Louis River quarters and the statute that we want to make," said Simonson. Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL-Virginia) said the Iron Range has important projects to cover during 2015 such as the Highway 53 relocation project. Education is also a heated issue. Lawmakers will look at issues like higher education and early childhood services."Clearly, funding for higher education could be a high priority for many of us," said Simonson. The 2015 session will also see a renewed push for Sunday alcohol sales. But once again, lawmakers said it is a low priority for many. "I don’t have any group of constituents coming to me saying, 'Please repeal this law,'" said Simonson. With a new dynamic, democratic lawmakers may face more challenges, but they are prepared to face the new reality of no longer holding the majority."I'm hoping we can continue to build those relationships and work together to get things done where we have common ground," said Metsa. This is a short session that will end no later than May 17. There's talk about skipping a 2016 session while the capitol is under construction which may make lawmakers busier this session.U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan was not in attendance Tuesday.His family is dealing with difficult news, as they found out their daughter has been diagnosed with cancer.