The House Appropriations Committee voted out HB 5313 which included the transportation budget today by a vote 19-0 with all Democrats abstaining. Adjustments we made to the budget to reflect the changes that Speaker Bolger is proposing to increase funding to roads. As a result $391 million in general fund dollars will be appropriated to the transportation budget.

Many of the details are yet to be worked out and the League continues to have concerns about the use of general fund dollars supporting an increase in road funding. This budget also represents an increase in funding that still falls significantly short of the actual increase needed to support our transportation system. We hope to work with the Speaker and others on this issue to provide a long term funding solution that meets the infrastructure needs of this state.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.