06-9714r
RESOLUTION NO. 9714
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
DEDICATING 100% OF MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX REVENUE TO HIGHWAY AND
PUBLIC TRANSIT PURPOSES
WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the
state's economy and a has a direct impact on future economic development; and
WHEREAS, too many Minnesotans are being killed in traffic crashes on dangerous
roadways and
WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Minnesota has remained
stagnant and is failing to keep pace with growing population and growing demands; and
WHEREAS, local governments throughout the state are struggling to maintain local
transportation systems while the state's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and
transit budgets have been cut in recent years; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from the
motor vehicle sales tax, which has been viewed as user fee revenue, in order to fund both
highway and transit systems including the current dedication of 54% of motor vehicle sales
tax for transportation purposes; and
WHEREAS, the legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the
2005 Legislative Session that would appear on the ballot November 7,2006 asking voters
if the remaining 46% of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currently used for other purposes
should be used for highways and transit systems; and
WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in stable revenue
for highway and transit systems throughout the state that would rise to approximately $300
million per year once the transfer of revenue is fully phased-in by 2011.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Richfield strongly supports
passage of the proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution dedicating all of the
motor vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation with at least 40% of the revenue for
public transit assistance and no more than 60% of the revenue for highway purposes.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 10th day of
January, 2006.
ATTEST:
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Nan~itY Clerk