In what could be a precursor to action in Kansas and other states, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is changing his earlier stance and agreeing to hike his state's 20 cent gasoline tax to fund a major transportation bill. Key advisors say Pawlenty had already talked about reevaluating his position even before the tragedy last Wednesday.

Pawlenty won the governor's office on a pledge of "no new taxes".. and his reversal of position is seen as a major concession on the issue. After the busy bridge collapsed on August 1st, the Republican governor said he would do "anything necessary" to collect more money to improve Minnesota's infrastructure. He may ask lawmakers to return to St. Paul for a special session as part of a plan to raise another $500 million dollars of highway money.