House overrides governor's veto on transportation bill
February 25, 2008
A $6.6 billion transportation bill is on the verge of becoming law after the Minnesota House voted for the first time to override a veto from Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Six House Republicans broke with the governor to make the 90 votes needed to override. The final tally was 91-41.
The state Senate, where Democrats hold enough votes for an override without GOP assistance, is expected to act later today.
The bill raises the gasoline tax for the first time since 1988 and imposes other new fees and taxes. The money would fuel a decade-long push of road-and-bridge construction and expand routes for bus and train riders.
None of Pawlenty's 36 previous vetoes had been overturned
