03-08-2006 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution will be on the ballot in the November 2006 election and will ask voters: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to dedicate revenue from a tax on the sale of new and used motor vehicles over a five -year period, so that after June 30, 2011, all of the revenue is dedicated at least 40 percent for public transit assistance and not more than 60 percent for highway purposes ?" The state holds a higher threshold for amending the Constitution. Passage requires a "yes" vote by a majority of everyone who goes to the polls, even if individuals skip the specific ballot question. In other words, a "non" vote is counted as a "no" vote. Since a portion of voters usually leave constitutional ballot questions blank, it is estimated that passage will require a "yes" vote of approximately 65 percent of those individuals who do mark the question. The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities is asking cities in the Metro Area to consider passing a resolution of support for the MVST Amendment. Their hope is to utilize our support to prevent the legislature from amending the wording of the amendment, as well as demonstrating city support for the amendment. Staff recommends adoption of this resolution. (Note: Memo taken from Heather Worthington's report to Falcon Heights City Council dated 3/08/06.) -2