Support MRR's campaign to end gas-tax revenue diversions to motorized recreation by proposing MRR's resolution at party caucuses February 5 (Green Party March 4). Print resolution, enter your name, contact and other info. Propose at your party caucus!
Below find links to MRR resolution tailored for Minnesota's four main political parties, info on party caucuses and MRR resolution text and contact info for getting more involved in MRR's 2008 Roads not ruts! campaign.
Caucus Resolution to end gas-tax diversions to motorized recreation:
DFL Gas-tax Caucus Resolution
Republican Party Gas-tax Caucus Resolution
Independence Party of Minnesota Gas-tax Caucus Resolution
Minnesota Green Party Gas-tax Caucus Resolution
Addtional Information
About Minnesota Caucuses
Minnesota Precinct Caucus Survivor's Guide
Caucus Finder
Learn more about MRR's 2008 Roads Not Ruts! campaign.
Resolution Text
PARTY RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AMENDMENT OF MINNESOTA STATUTE 296A.18 TO
DELETE DIVERSION OF STATE GAS-TAX TO MOTORIZED RECREATION
WHEREAS, Minnesota roads and bridges are in many places in poor condition and are in need of repair and replacement;
WHEREAS, restoring the state’s transportation infrastructure is a top priority;
WHEREAS, Minnesota’s families and highway authorities are in need of additional revenue
WHEREAS, 50% of Minnesotans are opposed to increasing the state’s gas-tax;
WHEREAS, 3% - $16 million - of Minnesota’s annually collected gas-tax appears to be unconstitutionally diverted to motorized recreation - the Minnesota Constitution dedicates 100% of gas-tax revenue to trunk highways, state-aid highways and municipal streets:
Sec. 5. HIGHWAY USER TAX DISTRIBUTION FUND. There is hereby created a highway user tax distribution fund to be used solely for highway purposes as specified in this article. The fund consists of the proceeds of any taxes authorized by sections 9 and 10 of this article. The net proceeds of the taxes shall be apportioned: 62 percent to the trunk highway fund; 29 percent to the county
state-aid highway fund; nine percent to the municipal state-aid street fund.
WHEREAS, the diversion of gas-tax revenue results in many unwanted effects including:
- damage to right-of-ways
- trespass on private and public property
- damage to wetlands and forests
- misuse of public funds
- intrusion of noise, fumes and danger to others on private and public property
WHEREAS, restoration of the state’s roads and bridges could be accomplished with less increased tax burden on Minnesotans by redirecting 3% of the state’s gas-tax – currently being diverted to motorized recreation - back to roads and bridges;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the party endorses amendment of Minnesota Statute 296A.18 to
delete diversion of the state’s gas-tax to motorized recreation.
Contact MRR to get more involved
Learn more about MRR's 2008 Roads not ruts! legislation.
Make a tax-deductible contribution to MRR
