State Rep. Will Morgan was one of 91 members of the State House of Representatives who voted today (feb. 25) to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto of a $6.6 billion transportation bill.

The override vote passed on a bipartisan basis in the House by a margin of 91 to 41.

"Over the course of the last 20 years, our state hasn't been acting on its responsibility to provide a safe and reliable system of transportation infrastructure. We haven't been as cost-effective, safe, or smart, as we should be. I voted to change all that by ensuring that we build and maintain the kind of transportation system this state needs to secure a viable and successful future," said Will Morgan (DFL - Burnsville/Savage) who voted in favor of the legislation.

According to Morgan, the passage of HF2800 will provide a significant amount of transportation funding for House District 40A - the district Morgan represents. Over the course of the next10 years:

+ The City of Burnsville will receive approximately $6.1 million;

+ The City of Savage will receive approximately $2.3 million;

+ Dakota County will receive approximately $55 million; and

+ Scott County will receive approximately $26.3 million.

"A lack of state funding for our roads and bridges has forced local property taxes through the roof," stated Morgan. "$1.6 billion in property tax revenue is spent every year by local governments on roads and bridges - more than is brought in by the state's gas tax, and three times what is collected from license tab fees. This new transportation package will relieve the burden on property tax payers, and restore a fairer transportation funding system for our state."