On Monday, the St. Petersburg Times published an editorial addressing Florida lawmakers’ shortsightedness about the state budget crisis. It highlights some of their short-sighted proposals that barely fill the budget gaps temporarily, including raiding of $466 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF).
You’ve listened to me share this message before but it still must be said: Raiding the State Transportation Trust Fund would be a certain budget no-no for Florida.
Adding $466 million to general revenue in the budget may seem like a great idea now but it is just a quick fix. In the mean time, state construction projects will come to a screeching halt and then what do we do? The STTF is a crucial element to Florida’s stability because our industry drives economic development. When construction stops, so does economic growth.
It is clear legislators are running out of funds to cut, but removing the money allocated for state construction projects is not the next place to look. Maybe it is time to stop shuffling money around like a deck of cards and find ways to generate new revenue.
Bolstering the State Transportation Fund has proven to be an effective way to not only subsidize but expand our economy in tough times. At its current level of funding, it is estimated that the STTF can have more than a $3 billion positive economic impact on our state. Instead of talking about cutting this fund to fill the gaps in other struggling areas, our lawmakers should be looking at the STTF as a way to stimulate our economy.
We all realize today’s hardships, but looking forward, what will this kind of piece-meal budget structure leave for Floridians? The St. Petersburg Times concluded with a concerning message:
“Republicans like to say they're building a budget for Florida to live within its means. They aren't. They're living on Uncle Sam's largesse and delaying for yet another year the real issue of how to pay for the services Floridians rely upon. That's not leadership.”
The State Transportation Trust Fund let’s Florida live within its transportation means – so why won’t they let us?
Today, the Florida House of Representatives will meet to discuss the various budget issues our state must address. We are calling on all supporters of our effort to reach out to their local House members immediately to share their concerns. For Florida’s future, we must keep the State Transportation Trust Fund intact. Please call today.
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