![County, Business Officials Call For Transportation Deal](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/05/Traffic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
County, Business Officials Call For Transportation Deal
ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota county commissioners and business groups are cranking up pressure on the Legislature to pass a transportation funding plan this year.
Lawmakers have struggled for more than a year to put together a road and bridge repair package over a partisan divide on how to pay for it. Democrats are pushing for a gas tax increase, while House Republicans want to use the state's budget surplus and existing taxes.
More than 100 county officials from across Minnesota sent a letter to lawmakers Wednesday urging them to figure it out. Whether it's a gas tax or increase to license tab fees, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin says the state needs to find new money for transportation.
It follows a similar call to action from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce last week.
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