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Greeting Neighbors!
For the past two weeks, we have been burning the midnight oil and even working over the last couple of weekends. Today was the Legislature’s final deadline, meaning major finance bills had to be passed through their respective committees.
Given the unique situation of a tie in the House – and having been overspent into a $6 billion deficit – this meant intense negotiations between Committee Chairs on what policies should be included and how we should address the budgets.
I had the pleasure of connecting with soon to be retired District Judge David Knutson in the Minnesota Supreme Court reception room.
I’m happy to say that we came to an agreement in our Transportation Committee, which I Chair.
For our bill, we focused on reducing wasteful spending, and reinvesting dollars into the modes of transportation Minnesotans use most.
 Photo from Transportation Committee while it considered the Transportation Finance Bill. Chair Koznick at the testifiers table with Laura Ziegler from Associated General Contractors of Minnesota.
Here are some of the highlights:
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Shutting Down Failed Rail Projects & Preventing Costly Mistakes: We began to pull the plug on NorthStar Commuter Rail—a rail line that cost taxpayers over $14 million each year to subsidize empty seats. The proposed Northern Lights Express to Duluth funding is at least delayed, but also expected to be terminated from planning before it can become a similarly expensive failure. And the Blue Line Extension will have an analysis to determine if there are better modes like express and regular bus routes that would provide similar service at a more affordable capital cost subsidy. We must avoid massive cost overruns that leave taxpayers with the bill. We're putting a stop to waste.
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Fair Funding for Roads— Electric Vehicles: All drivers use the roads—so all drivers should help maintain them. This bill ensures that electric vehicles contribute to road funding just like gas-powered vehicles do, making the system fairer for everyone. Part of the EV registration cost will go to green house gas mitigation efforts and the rest to roads like the gas tax.
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Investing in High-Impact Corridors: We agreed on $50 million for Corridors of Commerce and $15 Million for Transportation Economic Development grants — initiatives created to fund highway projects that enhance our economy. These projects support construction jobs, improve freight routes, and expand mobility across the state. It’s not just about roads, it’s about economic growth and long-term planning.
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Safer Interstate 35, Smarter Investments: This bill delivers $40 million to improve the I-35 and County Road 50 interchange here in Lakeville, easing congestion and improving safety. It also includes critical funding to address suicide prevention on the Washington Avenue Bridge at the U of M —a long-overdue safety measure. We also crack down on repeat drunk driving with expanded ignition interlock requirements. Finally, we use new standards to make the roads last longer and monitor how MnDOT keeps up with sustaining our pavements.
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Removing Red Tape for Truck Drivers: We made it easier for truck drivers to get licensed, cutting unnecessary red tape that has caused massive delays so drivers can get road tested, licensed, and employed quicker. This helps Minnesotans enter the workforce and keeps goods moving throughout our state.
These reforms reflect real priorities: safer roads, smarter investments, and a focus on what works.
 Photo with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and other Bishops from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
With the work it took to get to this point, I’m very much looking forward to Easter break. It’s a great time for me to get back to our community after putting in some long hours. I hope to finally be able to hang out in town, see my family, as well as many of you.
We’ll return to St. Paul on April 21 and immediately begin the process of moving these bills for passage off the House floor.
Have a reflective and recharging Holy Week, and a blessed Easter.
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