New MN transportation plan may mean higher taxes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic leaders of the state House and Senate transportation committees plan next week to unveil a proposal for funding improvements

to roads, bridges and transit across Minnesota.

Senator Scott Dibble and Representative Frank Hornstein, both Minneapolis Democrats, announced their intentions Monday following an informational hearing on current transportation needs.

While a gas tax increase or other revenue-raising measures will be tough to sell in an election year session, Hornstein says the problems can't wait.

Dibble wouldn't talk about specifics, but says he believes a "robust, comprehensive, multi-modal transportation funding package" is needed this year.

The committee chairs still need to convince Governor Mark Dayton and Democratic legislative leaders to back their funding plan.