A major focus of the 2015 legislative session is improving the transportation options in Georgia. I have met and listened to scores of people; and I believe consensus exists. First, allow me to identify the problem. In Georgia, we have a growing population (5th fastest growing nationally for decades) resulting in congested roadways and infrastructure needing repair. In contrast, we spend the least per capita of all 50 states on transportation needs. Ultimately, we need to assure public safety while citizens and goods flow through our state. Secondly, we need to set parameters. Georgians overwhelmingly oppose a tax increase, including me. Lastly, the public deserves accountability and transparency with the funds used to solve these challenges.
Let’s do the math. Since the great recession (FY 2010), the state budget dropped precipitously and regained approximately $5B of revenue in recent years. Beginning FY 2016 and each year moving forward, the state is forecasted to grow approximately $1B in revenue. By the end of this decade the state should collect $10B more annually (est. $27B). We do have increased expenses for more children in schools, increased healthcare costs, etc. However, we can dedicate and prioritize a percentage of growth and eliminate unnecessary tax exemptions to solve this problem without impacting local governments or adding taxes. We can be visionary and live within our means.
My approach is to simply take a reasonable percentage of the growth and dedicate it to transportation funding. For example, taking merely 10% of the growth this decade will be $1B annually in 5 years from now; and we can build each year starting now. We are fiscally responsible and prudent in Georgia. We have the opportunity to invest with our current growth rather than burden families and businesses. No person with credibility can say the only way to solve this problem is to raise taxes. Like any family and business, you create priorities and plan. We cannot allow state government’s procrastination become the taxpayers’ emergency. There is no need for additional taxes!
When I wrote this article, we were still in legislative session. I fought vigorously to amend the transportation funding bill. I enthusiastically support a solution, but will also adamantly oppose any tax increases. Ultimately, I work for the taxpayers who expect us to make smart decisions and find creative solutions without adding burdensome taxes or regulations.
Public trust is paramount to solving this problem. The GA DOT has a mixed record of providing the expected results. My proposal is to have all projects weighted on a combination of public safety, critical infrastructure repair and traffic congestion relief. The project list will be available on the state website and updated quarterly. This process will provide transparency and accountability assuring voters can be confident with the way government is spending their money.
There are many solutions to solving this matter. I believe the straight forward approach works best. Let’s agree on the parameters, prioritize the spending and move forward.
to your business!