… and the Governor isn’t even remotely on it. From Bolling’s press release:
Earlier today, Governor Tim Kaine announced that he would introduce a new transportation package for consideration by the General Assembly during the 2007 legislative session. In response to the Governor’s announcement, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement:
“I applaud Governor Kaine for his efforts to keep the transportation issue at the forefront of public debate. This clearly is the most important issue currently facing Virginia, and we must find a way to work together to provide more money for highway construction and maintenance.”
“Unfortunately, the Governor’s proposal relies on the same ideas that have proven unsuccessful in the past. Clearly, the General Assembly is not prepared to enact massive general tax increases at a time when Virginia’s economy is performing well, and while the people of Virginia want something done about transportation they are not prepared to pay higher taxes either.”
“I am also disappointed that the Governor has failed to make any specific proposals for possible regional solutions to the transportation problem. Based on my recent conversations with legislators in the Senate and House of Delegates, I believe there is a possibility that agreement could be reached on a responsible regional plan for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.”
Higher taxes aren’t going to solve the VDOT crisis. Solutions that re-approach how we tackle transportation in Virginia are what we need.
Regional solutions are a critical first step in reforming VDOT, among other things. Most importantly, Bolling lays Kaine out on higher taxes being the panacea for big, ineffective government.
Kudos to Lt. Gov. Bolling for keeping government spending in the spotlight.