Caucus Press Release: House Approves DOT Funding, Republicans Complete Agenda
Apr 9, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Jason Zacher
(803) 734-3139
House Republicans Complete Agenda Early
Dedicated stream of revenue for DOT approved Wednesday
COLUMBIA -- The House Republican Caucus completed work on its major agenda items by approving a dedicated stream of revenue to improve our state's roads and bridges.
The bill approved Wednesday by the full House dedicates the money raised by the sales tax on cars to the state's Highway Fund and Infrastructure Bank. During the debate, House Republicans defeated attempts to raise the tax on gasoline.
"This plan increases funding to improve our state's roads by over $100 million without raising a single tax," House Speaker Bobby Harrell said. "Dedicating an existing stream of revenue to our roadways ensures a dependable funding source that will go a long way in improving our state's infrastructure. Safe, reliable roads are key in growing our state's economy and providing safe travel for your family."
Dedicating that revenue for the DOT was the second half of the Caucus' two-year commitment to reforming the DOT. Last year, the House passed a restructuring of the agency that makes it more accountable to the taxpayers and places it in the governor's cabinet.
"We had to reform the Department of Transportation first," said Rep. Annette Young of Summerville, the author of last yearâs DOT reform package. "Now that we made the DOT accountable, we must hold them accountable for repairing and strengthening our state's infrastructure. There is a direct link between quality infrastructure and growing our state's economy, and this is a critical step."
The complete agenda items include fighting illegal immigration, stopping hidden earmark spending, approving a tax cut for married couples, improving roads and bridges reforming education, expanding healthcare opportunities for small businesses, and a state spending cap.
"The House Republicans worked hard this year to move this conservative legislation through the House," said Majority Leader Jim Merrill. "We finished our agenda in less than 11 weeks, building a base that fights irresponsible spending, strengthens our economy, and fights illegal immigration. This has been a successful year, but there is still a lot of work to do."
Those achievements come on top of other major legislation approved this session, including tougher penalties for DUI offenders and restructuring of our stateâs constitutional officers.
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