State Sen. Scott Newman was recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) July 29 during the Coalition’s summer conference in Alexandria for his positive impact on the state’s transportation policy.

Sen. Newman, a Republican from Hutchinson, is serving his fourth term in the Minnesota Senate. The Legislator of Distinction Award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding legislative session.

As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Sen. Newman is instrumental in developing the state’s transportation policy and determining funding priorities. This session, he played a central role in crafting a transportation package that will move Minnesota’s infrastructure forward while making key investments that will benefit Greater Minnesota, such as funding for small-city streets and highway improvement projects. Sen. Newman was also a key advocate for policy measures to improve transparency and effectiveness of MnDOT’s project selection processes as well as ensuring that highway dollars are used for their intended purposes.

In a time of deep partisan division, Sen. Newman and House Transportation Committee Chair Frank Hornstein, a Democrat, also proved to be an example of cooperation and collaboration despite their political differences. While many conference committees refused to meet or met only behind closed doors, Rep. Hornstein and Sen. Newman opted to hold public hearings, welcome outside discussions, and worked hard to find common ground.

“Sen. Newman is a passionate advocate for funding local roads and highway projects across the state,” said Greg Zylka, mayor of Little Falls and president of the CGMC. “By often reaching across the aisle to find common ground, Sen. Newman has demonstrated an ability to achieve successful comprises without abandoning his principles. He is also an important advocate for ensuring transportation investments are balanced throughout the state and that transportation project selection processes are fair and transparent.”

CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.