Governor Pawlenty decided that a 10 cent gas tax -- one that hasn't been raised since 1988. Based on CPI the tax should be something like 32 cents today. A 10 cents raise from 20 cents really isn't out of line and is needed. Wisconsin has indexed their tax to inflation and will be reaping the benefits of a policy that doesn't require politicans to keep solid investments in transportation. If the gas tax was a percentage of the fuel cost (like many goods in Minnesota), it would be even more dramatic (and not recommended).
"Ask the question what the DFL-controlled Legislature did during those 10 years to put a bill on the governor's desk featuring any improvements? The answer is squatsky. Squatsky," he said.
Yes. Pawlenty sure did block Northstar a few times before he signed it, too! Complaining that someone wouldn't spend money we didn't have for transportation is crazy. We need to raise the money, and then we can spend it. We can't spend it and then pay off the debt with future taxes at the same level.
So I guess you can say that Pawlenty put Squatsky on Ventura's desk.
Note: Depending on who you listen to, its Squatsky or Squatski.
