2016 Election Overview
The outcome of the 2016 elections has definitely altered the landscape for transportation policy and funding initiatives. From the Presidency down to state legislative races, we face a new legislative dynamic and many new faces.
What hasn’t changed: the huge need for resources to increase the nation’s and the state’s investment in the transportation system and bipartisan agreement on that fact. Prior to the outcome of Tuesday’s election we were hearing from candidates on both sides of the aisle that increasing investments in infrastructure was an area of agreement. Candidates for Minnesota’s legislature brought up the need for a comprehensive, long-term transportation funding package over and over again in news stories, candidate profiles and candidate forums. We were hearing more from candidates about transportation than we have in previous election cycles. Voters in other states, made their voices heard by approving ballot initiatives in 22 states that increased and stabilized funding for transportation.
As we head into 2017, transportation advocates have a huge opportunity to capitalize on the widespread support for infrastructure improvements. However, it will take the involvement of transportation advocates across the state making their voices heard to rise above partisan squabbling and the many other issues that will be on the table.