[StBernard] Time to Focus on Transportation

[Westley Annis]

TIME TO FOCUS ON TRANSPORTATION

	Our roads are the lifeblood of our state. 

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has driven Louisiana roads that
our highways are some of the worst in the nation.  Unfortunately, the
tremendous growth in state government spending over the past decade has not
included appropriate highway funding with little resources being directed at
our roads.  Currently, the highways are funded only from receipts of a
certain portion of the motor fuel tax. This funding source has been stagnant
for decades and to make matters worse, $78 million is deducted for salaries
and benefits of DOTD employees.
 
With Louisiana experiencing record surpluses, it is time that we shift our
attention to our infrastructure.  The administration is currently proposing
$1 billion in new programs.  Rather  than incur a recurring financial burden
many lawmakers including myself are urging fiscal responsibility and
focusing on our infrastructure needs.
 
We are requesting that $600 million of the surplus be directed immediately
to our roads and more recurring resources in the future.  Our proposal
includes shifting the $78 million obligation to the general funds and
allowing this revenue to be plowed back into our roads.  In addition, we are
also requesting that most of the motor fuel taxes be directed back to the
parishes where they are generated and provide additional funds for roads.
This would amount to a significant increase for many parishes.
 
If you would like to weigh in on this issue Click Here
<http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/H_CMTE_TR.asp>  and ask your legislator
to support our roads.

To determine who your legislator is, click here
<http://www.legis.state.la.us/> . Then, click o n "How do I...?" in the left
column. Under "Legislator Questions"click on "How do I determine who is my
legislator?"

Tim 

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