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Texans Must Vote “Yes” on Designating Revenue to State Highway Fund
October 6th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Texans have an opportunity to increase their state transportation funding coffers when they go to the voting booth on November 4. Proposition 1 is a statewide ballot measure that will dedicate a portion of the state’s oil and gas tax collections to the State Highway Fund. If the measure passes, $1.7 billion could be transferred to the fund in the first year alone. This would prove a significant step toward meeting the funding needs of many transportation projects. The measure, a constitutional amendment, reads as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to assist in the completion of transportation construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads.” A “yes” vote will ensure a reliable source of transportation funding without the creation of new taxes, tolls or user fees. When you talk with a neighbor about the election, remember this: ✓ Designated funds can only be used for construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and acquiring right-of-way for public roads. ✓ If approved by voters, 50% of the money currently destined for the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund, or Rainy Day Fund, would be redirected to the State Highway Fund. ✓ The proposition also calls for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to identify $100 million in savings to reduce long-term debt. ✓ Calls for the creation of a 10 person committee (5 State Senators, 5 State House members) to determine a “sufficient balance” for the Economic Stabilization Fund. Ultimately, voting yes is choosing to invest in mobility for Texas and a stronger economy. The measure is currently supported by the ASCE Texas Section in conjunction with the larger Move Texas Forward Coalition. Move Texas Forward is committed to improving Texas infrastructure and keeping roads capable of supporting the growth of the state. The coalition is made up of engineering societies and associations, Chambers of Commerce, transportation councils/coalitions, as well as oil and gas industry organizations. While it will not solve all of Texas’ transportation funding challenges, making funds available to the State Highway Fund is just one step in the right direction for Texas. For this reason, ASCE encourages Texans to vote “yes” on Proposition 1 in November.Tags: 2014 Election, 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, transportation
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Missourians Reject Sales Tax for Infrastructure
August 6th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
On August 5 Missouri voters defeated a measure that would have established a dedicated infrastructure fund from revenue earned through three-quarters of a cent sales tax increase. Constitutional Amendment 7 was dismissed in a 59% to 41% vote. “We are very disappointed in the result, but the people have spoken and we respect that.” Stephen Miller, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, commented. “As we have seen for the past several years, I think Missourians have a clear understanding that more resources need to be invested in our transportation infrastructure, but there just isn’t any consensus on how to pay for it. We need to continue working toward that end.” The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Long Range Transportation Plan estimates that over the next 20 years, Missouri has at least $70 billion of infrastructure projects requested throughout the state, but only $17.3 billion of available funds are expected to be available. Had the measure passed it would have made an estimated $5.4 billion available over the next 10 years for state and local transportation projects. In fact, in July MoDOT release a list of “priority projects” that would have received funding with the revenue generated by the tax increase. The future of this list remains to be seen. Dave Nichols, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, “We will continue our focus on safety, maintaining our roads and bridges, and providing outstanding customer service with the resources we have.” If Missourians wish to “raise the grade” on roads and bridges, adequate revenue must be collected and allocated to maintain and improve the state’s transportation infrastructure.Tags: Funding, infrastructure investment, Missouri, transportation
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Missourians Asked to Vote “Yes” on Sales and Use Tax Increase
July 8th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
On August 5, Missourians go to the polls to weigh in on the future of the state’s transportation fund. Rather than enacting a temporary fix through an incremental gas tax hike, the Missouri Legislature put the matter in the hands of constituents in the form of Constitutional Amendment 7 which will appear on the August 5 ballot. If passed, the constitutional amendment will increase the sales and use tax three-quarters of one percent for a period of 10 years. This increase will establish a dedicated funding source not only for the state wide transportation system but, also county and city roads. With the exception of everyday expenses like, food, gas, utilities, or home and car payments, an additional three-quarter of one percent tax will be added to the existing state sales and use tax. In fact, during this 10-year period the state will be prohibited from raising the gas tax! It is estimated the proposed sales tax increase could lead to $5.4 billion over the lifetime of the tax — approximately $600 million of which will be diverted to county and city transportation projects. To put this into perspective, the Missouri DOT Long Range Transportation Plan estimates that over the next 20 years, Missouri has at least $70 billion of infrastructure projects requested throughout the state, but only $17.3 billion of available funds are expected to be available. A “yes” vote will ensure a reliable and sustainable source of revenue for the Missouri’s transportation fund. When August 5th arrives we ask that voters remember this: ✓ Money from the tax will only be spent on the improvement of roads, bridges, and other priority transportation projects in Missouri. ✓ 90% of the revenue will fund priority transportation projects, statewide, through the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). ✓ 5% will be given to counties and 5% given to cities for local transportation projects. ✓ All projects completed through MoDOT will be voted on by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission and completion will be constitutionally guaranteed. ✓ This sales tax will only apply to non-essential items, specifically exempted are: groceries, gas, utilities, mortgage and car payments, healthcare, prescription drugs, education, and retirement savings. ✓ Creating the tax through a constitutional amendment prevents future politicians from diverting funds to non-transportation spending. In anticipation of the additional funding, MoDOT has even updated its project list. Failure to increase the sales tax will mean status quo when it comes to Missouri’s transportation infrastructure. For this reason it is critical Missourians vote “yes” on Constitutional Amendment 7 and help lawmakers direct much needed funds toward maintaining, and improving, statewide transportation systems.Tags: ballot, economy, Missouri, state government, transportation, vote
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