First-term legislator Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, told the Brainerd Dispatch that there are roads in his district that will "jar the fillings right out of your teeth." Meanwhile the House Republican leadership was unveiling a transportation funding proposal that was so small it would only pay for either 30 miles of road or a single bridge in the entire state.
In contrast, Gov. Mark Dayton and the DFL Senate Caucus put forward a long-term plan to fix Minnesota's deteriorating roads and bridges. Without these improvements, Minnesota drivers will continue to face pesky car repair bills and businesses will face delays in shipping their goods. Bad roads and bridges aren't just a frustration, they are a safety hazard.
Minnesota is facing a real problem that needs real solutions. A small, short-term fix for our transportation system isn't realistic. Hopefully Rep. Lueck will vote for his constituents instead of with his party and support a transportation bill that provides Minnesota safe and efficient roads and bridges for years to come.
Bill Pick, Aitkin County DFL Chair
Cordy Strand, Aitkin County DFL Vice Chair
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Aitkin
