Press Release
BOLLING STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR TIM KAINE'S AMENDMENTS TO REPUBLICAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Monday, March 26, 2007
RICHMOND - Earlier today, Governor Tim Kaine announced his proposed amendments to the transportation plan previously adopted by the General Assembly. In response to the Governor's announcement, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:
"I am pleased that the Governor's amendments endorse every key provision of the transportation plan previously adopted by Republican legislative leaders. By agreeing to the basic structure of the Republican plan, and by abandoning his demand for massive statewide tax increases, the Governor has helped us move one step closer to finding a solution for Virginia's long term transportation needs.
"I am also pleased that the Governor appears to have abandoned his opposition to the use of existing general fund resources for transportation. In fact, by some estimates his amendments may increase the amount of general funds going to transportation. As we have said all along, the responsible use of general fund dollars for transportation will not have an adverse impact on other government programs.
"I am, however, concerned by some of the Governor's amendments. As the members of the General Assembly begin considering the Governor's amendments, I hope they will carefully consider those amendments that would increase the tax on diesel fuel, significantly expanded the scope of tax and fee increases in the Northern Virginia regional plan, and effectively eliminated the ability of localities to opt out of the Northern Virginia regional plan.
"I look forward to discussing the Governor's amendments further with my colleagues in the days to come and determining which of these amendments should be accepted and which should be rejected."
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For additional information contact Randy Marcus at 804-814-7117 (cell) or randy.marcus@ltgov.virginia.gov.
