More On The Transportation Deal
The basics:
· A $250mil investment from the General Fund
· Increase in abusive driver penalties
· Equalization of the diesel fuel tax (an $0.01 increase)
· Increase in user fees for heavy truck registration
· Increase in user fees for vehicle registration
· Dedication of 50% of the surplus ($227mil) and the 2006 residual ($339mil)
· $2 billion in bonds
· Local government option to join regional transportation authorities in NOVA and Hampton Roads, similar to joining VRE.
Bill Bolling has this to say:
“Building a transportation system for the 21st century is the most important issue currently facing Virginia . For the past year we have debated this issue without meaningful progress. Today, leaders in the Senate and House of Delegates announced agreement on a proposal to move these discussions forward. I commend them for the hard work they have put forth and the progress they have made.”
“I am very pleased that the proposal put forth by Republicans in the Senate and House of Delegates rejects the massive statewide tax increases that had been proposed by Governor Kaine. Now, the legislative process will begin, during which this proposal will be analyzed and debated. I look forward to a continuing dialogue with the members of the General Assembly about this important issue.”
Bob McDonnell:
“The Republican leadership in the General Assembly has crafted a comprehensive, long-term solution to improve our transportation systems in the Commonwealth. This plan combines statewide funding and accountability proposals along with regional options for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia . This is a transportation plan that invests more money into transportation than proposed by the Governor, without a statewide tax increase, and requires new system reforms and spending cuts. Leadership is about finding common sense solutions and the House and Senate Republican leadership has crafted a plan to address the most significant public policy issue facing the Commonwealth.”
“While no compromise plan is perfect, there are major elements of this plan that are very positive. The long-term commitment of 50 percent of the state surplus, as well as hundreds of millions in general fund dollars to transportation is a decision that demonstrates Republicans understand the importance of transportation to the economic future of Virginia . Locking up the transportation trust fund is a move I have long called for, and it will restore trust in transportation spending. Issuing bonds in a time of low interest rates to start long delayed projects is a proactive step that will produce results promptly for the people of Virginia . Enacting major reforms to improve the effectiveness at VDOT, to revise Virginia ’s land use policies, and to implement long term spending and accountability programs are forward-thinking achievements. Using surplus money to jumpstart public-private partnerships is an excellent idea to promote market-based solutions. The regional self-help options provided to the congested areas of Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia honor the Republican principle of local decision making and subsidiarity. It allows for progress on transportation as determined by the needs of local elected officials. These plans collectively repeal approximately $800 million in local income tax revenue authority, and replace it with authority of approximately $600 million in revenues. The proposal produced today provides the transportation solution Virginians have been calling for, while avoiding an unnecessary statewide tax increase in this time of budget surpluses. This is a conservative plan that will work for Virginia .”
“Forbes’ magazine has ranked Virginia the most business-friendly state in the country, while ‘Governing’ magazine has ranked us as the best governed state. With Republican leadership, we have a state with one of the highest per-capita incomes, and lower per-capita tax rates. To keep this distinction, we must lead and produce results for our citizens. Improving transportation is an economic issue, and it is a quality of life issue. Congested roads hurt Virginia businesses, and they keep parents stuck in traffic instead of home with their children. The failure to find solutions to our transportation problems imperils our future prosperity. Virginia Republican leaders have acted in a cooperative and diligent manner to create a comprehensive transportation plan. I congratulate the Republican legislators for their effort and support their work.”
This is a pathetic cop out by Bolling. Where is the big bold Bolling now? He’s just waiting to see where the political winds blow and that’s where he will go. This is yet another example of Bolling being afraid to lead or do anything first. If he has problems with this, why won’t he say it. This is weak
Posted by: Glass Onion | January 19, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Glass Onion, what else to you expect to hear after nothing more than a general outline of proposals? It is very appropriate to commend the legislatures on all their hard work this early in the session, and look forward to talking more about the plan to learn more about its positive and negative aspects.
We all know Bolling is a proud Republican, and a protector of conservative values and smaller government.
I would not expect him to support any higher tax increases on anyone, especially in these times of great economic growth and stability. He WILL let it be known if anyone crosses the line, as usual.
(I'll copy/paste this on every blog also, since that seems to be the Bolling-bashers goals. Not to post, but to bash.)
Posted by: All Over Virginia | January 20, 2007 at 11:22 AM