I want to thank Sen. Steve Dille for supporting  the transportation funding bill. I realize that he voted against party liines and that Sen. Dille did the right thing for our area and for our state.

The roads and bridges are essential for everyone in Minnesota. With a lack of funding from the state, we have seen deterioration of our roads and bridges and basically have worn many of them out. Our rural roads also need safety improvements that are long overdue.

Although no one wants more taxes, with the gas tax and tab fees, we have dedicated funding for our roads with people paying according to how much they actually drive and use the roads.

It was great to see that our elected official, Sen. Steve Dille, understands that investments in a safer and more effective transportation system, as well as the needs, wishes and concerns of his constituents, come before party loyalty.

We should all be thanking Sen. Steve Dille for supporting the transportation funding bill as it is an important measure for highway safety and to help Minnesota prosper.
Jim Swenson, Litchfield
Jim Swenson is a Meeker County commissioner.