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| People want infrastructure addressed Remember the 8.5-cent gas tax increase approved by the DFL-controlled Legislature last February over the veto of Gov. Tim Pawlenty? Remember when opponents were quite vocal in saying voters would remember that tax increase at the polls in November? Well, evidently a solid majority of Minnesota voters did not recall it in a bad way. With all House seats up for election, the DFL expanded the party’s already considerable majority by three more seats. So much for a political backlash to the gas tax increase. DFL lawmakers, along with a handful of Republicans who joined them for the veto override, obviously had a good read on the current attitude of many Minnesotans — that being the state’s roads and other infrastructure needs are a high priority with a majority of citizens. And soon the nation’s sentiment on public funds going toward infrastructure needs will also be measured. A second stimulus package will be put up for a vote when Congress returns later this month for a few weeks before adjourning for the holidays. That package will include major infrastructure spending to address needs across the country and also trigger work for private contractors and construction workers. We believe such a package will be well received by most Americans for good reason. | |
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