Back in February, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota vetoed a $6.6 billion transportation bill that, among other things, would’ve raised Minnesota’s gas tax for the first time in 20 years. To cancel Pawlenty’s veto, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) needed six Republicans to vote in favor of the override. Republican Rep. Rod Hamilton was one of those who voted for what became a successful override and the resulting tax hike. He did so, however, on condition that the DFL-sponsored legislation would make funding for State Highway 60, a highway that is essential for constituents in Hamilton’s district, a top priority. Accordingly, the legislation passed with an additional 22 lines that seemed to instruct the Minnesota Department of Transportation to make funding Highway 60 a priority. Hamilton thought all was well.

Now, though, Minnesota’s Department of Transportation and those in the DFL that initially backed the override are questioning this “promise” to improve Highway 60. To Hamilton’s discomfort, it turns out that, by voting for this legislation, he not only raised taxes for Minnesotans in general, but also did not provide the benefits he sought for his own district.

Thanks to the Taxpayers League of Minnesota for highlighting this story.