John Cha-Ching!-Chester Kills Transportation Package

Others with more time than I have commented upon the shortcomings of the proposed transportation compromise offered by House Republicans. However, it was the best proposal on the table, short of spending the perennial surpluses on transportation. It was certainly preferable to anything offered by Governor Timmy! and Senate Republicans.

That is, of course, why His Lordship, Senator John Cha-Ching!-Chester had to kill it.

Here's what Governor Bill Bolling had to say:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2007

BOLLING ISSUES STATEMENT ON SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE ACTION ON TRANSPORTATION BILL

- Lieutenant Governor criticizes decision to reject compromise transportation bill -

RICHMOND - Earlier today, the Senate’s Committee on Finance once again rejected the compromise transportation plan that had been approved by the House of Delegates. In its place, the Committee adopted a plan that would:

• Use no existing general fund resources for transportation
• Impose a new registration fee of $150 on all vehicles at the time they are first registered in Virginia, and
• Increase the sales tax in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

In response to the Committee’s action, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:

“Once again, I am extremely disappointed by the Senate Finance Committee’s decision to reject the compromise transportation plan offered by the House of Delegates. While the compromise plan is not perfect, it represents our best chance of getting something accomplished on transportation this year.”

“By adopting a plan that refuses to use any existing resources for transportation, the Committee has harmed our chances of reaching a transportation agreement. It makes no sense to ask the people of Virginia to pay higher taxes and fees at a time when state spending is increasing at historic levels.”

“By adopting a plan that would increase the sales tax in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, the Committee has shown a glaring disregard for the wishes of voters in those regions of the state who overwhelmingly rejected similar proposals in 2002. The voters expect their wishes to be respected, not ignored.”

“The problem in Richmond is not a lack of resources. The problem is a lack of fiscal discipline and a willingness to direct the resources we have to our highest priorities. If transportation is the most important issue currently facing Virginia that is where we should direct our money.”

“I remain hopeful that a transportation agreement can be reached before the end of the current legislative session. However, any such agreement must include the use of existing resources for transportation purposes, rather than simply imposing higher taxes and fees on the people of Virginia.”

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Couldn't have said it better myself.