Quick Poll

If gas prices reach $5 per gallon by Memorial Day as many are predicting, will you seriously consider purchasing a more fuel-efficient automobile?

Blogs

Angela McRae

Tea with friends

Deberah Williams

Everyday Finesse

Lorrie Lynch

Who's News

Published Friday, April 09, 2010 in Opinion

Can our state leaders finally work out details on transportation funding?

Editorial

There has been much political maneuvering at the state Capitol this week. Lawmakers have been in recess before returning next week for the final seven days of the General Assembly session. The big reason to recess was to work on details of the state budget.

However, another issue -- transportation funding -- is creating ongoing debate. Remember, Gov. Sonny Perdue's regional sales tax for transportation legislation stalled when it did not pass the House by the crossover date, the date a bill must pass one chamber of the General Assembly in order to be approved this year.

However, legislative leaders said last week they could take Perdue's plan and tack transportation funding on to another piece of legislation in a conference committee. This would allow passage, and bypass the crossover day deadline.

In the past week or more there have been meetings between representatives of the metro Atlanta business community, legislative leaders and others, twisting arms to ensure passage of a transportation funding bill that would gain Perdue's signature and would have a good chance of passage by voters at the ballot box.

Both the House speaker and lieutenant governor were told the business community throughout Georgia could not wait another year to address our state's pressing transportation funding issue.

Both Speaker David Ralston and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said they were committed to having transportation funding pass this legislative session. They said it was their top priority after passing a state budget. They did remind the business leaders of the possibility of a veto by Perdue because the governor and some lawmakers don't see eye to eye on transportation funding. They agree it's needed, but can't agree on the details of the plan.

Our take is this: When lawmakers convene for the final days of the legislative session, will Ralston, Cagle and Perdue be able to use their leadership roles to get a transportation funding plan approved? For three years our state leaders have failed to address this critical issue. The business leaders are right -- our state can't wait another year to address our pressing transportation needs.

It's past time for Ralston, Cagle and Perdue to simply listen and make promises. It's time for them to show leadership to work out the details of this funding plan. Approve a plan and let Georgia citizens vote on it.

Comment On This Story

Times-Herald.com does not necessarily agree with the comments posted below. Responsibility of comments rests solely with the writer. Comments posted in ALL CAPS will be deleted.

Submission of a comment does not guarantee publication. Comments will be posted by a moderator after being scanned for abusive language, relevance, etc. See our Comments FAQ for more details.