RepRichCebra's Blog

Chairman Damon, Chairman Marley and fellow members of the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation, I stand before you today to testify, not only in favor of, but as a fierce advocate for, L.D. 2313 An Act to Keep Bridges Safe.

 

 

Fellow committee members, how did we get to this critical place, how is it we find our self in such a horrendous crisis when it comes to our important bridge infrastructure throughout the state.

 

 

First, I would like to say how thrilled I am that our Governor has put forward this piece of legislation for our consideration at your requesting. I welcome him into this fight for our future bridge safety and I am equally thrilled to read through the absolutely non-partisan list of twenty nine co-sponsors, who have decided to stand with us in the gap for the good people of this state.

 

 

I am going to briefly outline how we got here and what this committee has attempted to do to stop the impending tragedy, the heinous calamity that will fall upon the good citizens of our great state unless the legislative branch of this state government comes to it’s senses, and turns the tide in favor of our transportation infrastructure AND MAKES IT A PRIORITY NOW!!

 

 

 

I want to outline the efforts that were made in this Legislature to strengthen the financial position of the Highway Fund:

 

 

 

First, we attempted to Set aside a portion of the sales tax on vehicles and transportation related items (4% the first year, 8% the second year, 12% the third year, 16% the fourth year and 20% thereafter).  This schedule was offered since it was consistent with the growth in the sales tax within this category, and would have meant that there would not be a loss to the general fund below prior year revenues. IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE!

 

 

 

We also attempted to Set aside a portion of the motor vehicle excise tax (4% first year, 8% second year, 12% third year, 16% fourth year and 20% thereafter).  This schedule was offered since it was consistent with the growth in the excise tax, and would mean there would not be a loss to municipal general funds below prior year revenues. IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE.

 

 

 

We attempted to Change the cost sharing formula for the State Police to conform to the findings of the OPEGA report.  The formula today remains at 60% Highway Fund and 40% General Fund even though the Appropriations Committee continues to control the head count for the State Police. IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE!

 

 

 

We attempted to pass Motor vehicle fee increases not unlike those now being proposed. . IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE.

 

 

 

 

We discussed and attempted a proposed restructuring of the State- Aid Highway and URIP programs. . IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE.

 

 

 

 

We looked at a study of the feasibility of tolling I-295 for the purpose of funding the modernization of that highway. . IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE.

 

 

 

 

We attempted a proposed conversion of a portion of the motor fuels excise tax to a sales tax. . IT FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE.

 

 

 

 

In addition, in prior years the Legislature REJECTED "Tax at the Rack"  which would have enhanced compliance on collections under the motor fuel excise tax . THEY ALSO increased the liability of the Highway Fund by transferring the operational cost of the Maine State Ferry Service from the General Fund to the Highway fund.  To my knowledge, these actions happened through bipartisan actions.

 

 

 

Please note that most of the ideas that have been presented did not involve tax or fee increases.  BUT STILL THEY FAILED TO RECEIVE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR PASSAGE.

 

 

WHY? I’ll tell you why, it’s not a complicated answer but I’ll just hit the highlights.

 

First I believe until recently, there was very little or no support for our actions from the second floor, although this committee has chosen to lead the charge in this battle there has been little or no supporting cover from the second floor. I am thrilled that that may be changing This bill is encouraging to say the least.

 

Second, There is a pervasive attitude among our non transportation committee colleagues in both houses that either transportation is not a priority and the growth of other social departments is, or that somehow our transportation infrastructure will magically fix itself.

 

And Thirdly, there is way too much disinformation and outright distortion of the facts being spread surrounding the highway fund. Too many people have heard the lies that there is a constant stealing from the highway fund to shore up the general fund, I have yet to see real supporting facts to back up those claims and have seen the evidence to the contrary, rather they are nothing more that anecdotal nonsense spread on web sites and hyperbolic radio talk shows and they undermine our efforts to fix our crumbling infrastructure.

 

 

It is time for this committee to stand once again for the people of Maine, for our businesses and for our future and give this bill a strong vote of support out of committee.

 

 

This bill is reasonable, it is important for our economic future, it will add greatly needed dollars to a thinly stretched bridge program, the fee increases are minor and keep the fees within New England averages,  and it will go a long way towards our goal of KEEPING OUR BRIDGES SAFE not just for today but for tomorrow, it is the right bill at the right time.

 

 

I ask my fellow Transportation committee members to unanimously support LD 2313.

 

Thank you and good day.