Minnesota lawmakers voted Monday to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s veto of a major transportation funding bill that will finance $6.6 billion in road, bridge and transit projects through increases in the gas tax, license tab fees and sales taxes in some areas.

When the Senate followed the House in voting to override the veto and approve the first increase in the state’s 20-cent per gallon gas tax in 20 years, cheers arose from transportation supporters in the gallery and in the corridors outside, according to Sen. Kathy Sheran.

“There was just a huge roar of applause as we walked out of the chamber,” Sheran said in a telephone interview. “It was amazing.”

The applause was for legislative Democrats, who voted unanimously in the House and Senate for the override, and for the eight Republicans who defied the wishes of their GOP governor.

For complete story, see the Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 print edition of The Free Press or sign onto our e-edition.

Click here to access Free Press e-edition