The debate over West Side has reached the State Capitol, creating policy questions for ’s delivery fee runs into wall after key senator reveals opposition residents.
Several small business associations oppose the provision that would raise about $600 million for transportation budget increases.
Democrat legislators in a Senate committee on Thursday voted to remove the highly controversial provision from SF3157 that has been opposed by a number of small business associations since it was introduced last month.
Those organizations opposing the delivery fee include: the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Hospitality Minnesota, Minnesota Retailers Association, Minnesota Grocers Association, Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association, National Federation of Independent Business, Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, and Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association.
While the DFL’s proposed 75-cent delivery fee — which would raise nearly $600 million in revenue for the transportation budget — moved through initial committee hearings in the House and Senate on party-line votes, one ranking DFLer — Sen.
Ann Rest, who chairs the taxes committee — has been hesitant to support the provision.
That comes as the Democrats hold just a 34 to 33 advantage over Republicans in the chamber.
Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, presented an amendment to his transportation omnibus bill that included elimination of the delivery fee, as well as a reduction in a proposed metro-wide sales tax from 0.75 cents to 0.5 cents.
As the measure advances, residents of West Side can follow amendments and contact Sandra Pappas regarding the final language.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL’s delivery fee runs into wall after key senator reveals opposition”
