A massive transportation bill passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives included a top priority by Gov. Walz to raised the gas tax by 20 cents per gallon, a plan that's expected to run into strong oppostion in the GOP-controlled state Senate.
The vote on Monday in the DFL-controlled House was 74-58, mostly along party lines.
The gas tax increase would provide about a billion dollars more in funding to resurface roads and rebuild bridges across the state.
"The needs are obvious," said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. "All you need to do is get in your car and go somewhere, and it is clear that we have under-invested in transportation."
Republican Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen of Glencoe said this is not the right way to go.
"Lower gas prices are comparable to a tax cut, freeing up disposable income for spending on non-gasoline goods and services," he said.
Senate Republican Leader Paul Gazelka says the 20-cent gas tax increase is a non-starter.
According to the bill, the proposed gas tax would be phased in over four years, and after that would increase with inflation.
Lawmakers have until May 20 to finish its work at the state capitol, work that includes finalizing a two-year budget.