Almanac: At the Capitol

The battle between Senate Transportation Chair Steve Murphy and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau heats up again Monday. Senators just sent Gov. Pawlenty a letter requesting he attend Monday's hearing. It appears the governor isn't interested since his schedule has nothing on it for Monday. Here's the letter the Dems sent the Gov:

Dear Governor Pawlenty:

We, the undersigned, respectfully request your presence at the meeting of the Transportation Contingent Appropriations Group that has been formed under Session Laws 2007, Ch. 143, Art. 1, Sec. 3, Subd. 9. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 1 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 15 of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Because of the unprecedented nature of the request, we believe it will be to the public’s benefit for a full discussion of the request made by your administration. It is our hope that you, and your representatives, will attend the meeting to provide insight into the reasons behind the request and the delay in federal funding promised to the state to meet the reconstruction needs of the I-35W bridge.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this matter during this important public meeting. It is our hope that this meeting will help resolve concerns of the members of the Transportation Contingent Appropriations Group.

Sincerely,

Sen. Richard Cohen
Chair, Senate Finance Committee

Sen. Steve Murphy
Chair, Senate Transportation Policy and Budget Division