Over the weekend, Florida Times-Union reporter, Brandon Larrabee brought transportation issues to the forefront of the race for Florida governor. His Oct. 9th article – “Florida’s next governor will face key transportation issues” - hit on many of the same points the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) has been promoting since the proposed raids on the state transportation trust fund during the last legislative session.
Larrabee pointed to Florida’s growing transportation needs and the role the state’s next governor will play in making sure Florida citizens and businesses are able to traverse a safe and efficient transportation network. He goes on to write, “With Florida's population expected to grow over the next several years, either Alex Sink or Rick Scott will be faced with ensuring the state's transportation network keeps up with the growth when one of them becomes governor after the November elections.”
Read his complete article here.
As I’ve written before, Florida’s Transportation Trust Fund seems to have support of both the Republican and Democratic candidates in this contentious governor’s race. Unfortunately, Florida’s transportation funding issues are forcing FTBA members to make decisions which cannot rely on campaign promises.
In a statement I released to the media yesterday about President Obama’s recent announcement, asking lawmakers to support a $50 bill transportation infrastructure initiative, I pointed to this same issue: “Members of the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) and other road builders nationwide are making critical decisions every day whether to hire or lay off workers and sell or buy equipment without knowing if long-term transportation funding is available. Our members have also reported cutting their workforce by 40 percent in response to a lack of transportation road projects over the last few years… Both Republicans and Democrats should be able to support a job-creating project such as this six-year transit investment plan…With such a high return on investment, high unemployment numbers and a very competitive road-building market place, it surely is time to take action. Florida’s transportation industry has always been a key element in the strength of our state’s economy and it’s no different on a national stage.”
It may seem for the time being that whoever comes out victorious on November 2nd, the State Transportation Trust Fund may be safe from a general revenue raid during the 2011 state legislative session. I expect we will still have a fight with the Legislature. But what happens in the interim? The road construction industry will continue to struggle until we get put back to work.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A Promising Election Year for Florida’s Transportation Industry
Unlike any other election year, both the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor are actively talking about the State Transportation Trust Fund and keeping it safe. There is a dialogue taking place and a real understanding of the economic potential our industry can provide when properly funded.
At our 2010 Convention in August, CFO and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink along with GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, spoke to our membership about the key role road builders play in Florida’s future, stressing the importance of maintaining a dedicated funding source for Florida’s roadways. Both the candidate’s presence at our convention and their additional outreach reaffirms the transportation trust fund will not be a victim of a barebones budget.
At the convention, CFO Sink released the Innovative and Integrated Transportation Plan for Florida which sets out to create jobs and develop a new economic foundation through transportation infrastructure projects. To put Florida on a fast track to a flourishing economy she vowed as governor she would veto all efforts by the Legislature to raid Florida’s Transportation Trust Fund and work to bring more federal tax dollars to the state for transportation projects.
As recently as last week we’ve also been in conversations with GOP candidate, Rick Scott. In a letter sent to FTBA from Mr. Scott, he outlined his promise that if elected governor, he would protect transportation user fees and ensure they are only utilized for Florida’s transportation infrastructure needs. Mr. Scott made it clear that any action to the contrary would eliminate jobs, adversely impact much-needed transportation projects and impede job creation. As part of Mr. Scott’s 7-7-7 Plan, the republican candidate illustrates a gubernatorial agenda that is dedicated to balancing the budget and creating long-term, well-paid jobs while providing the core functions a state must supply its citizens, such as an efficient transportation system.
While our industry continues to see lackluster work load projections for the next fiscal year, it is reassuring to know our issues are being discussed by both Governor-hopefuls. With an estimated 18 percent decline in road construction contracts for fiscal year 2011, it is pivotal Florida’s next governor grasps the positive economic contributions of a strong multi-modal transportation system and the millions of jobs created by members of the FTBA.
We applaud both Mr. Scott and CFO Sink for their willingness to protect user fees and Florida jobs while safeguarding our state’s expansive transportation system from diluted funding.
At our 2010 Convention in August, CFO and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink along with GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, spoke to our membership about the key role road builders play in Florida’s future, stressing the importance of maintaining a dedicated funding source for Florida’s roadways. Both the candidate’s presence at our convention and their additional outreach reaffirms the transportation trust fund will not be a victim of a barebones budget.
At the convention, CFO Sink released the Innovative and Integrated Transportation Plan for Florida which sets out to create jobs and develop a new economic foundation through transportation infrastructure projects. To put Florida on a fast track to a flourishing economy she vowed as governor she would veto all efforts by the Legislature to raid Florida’s Transportation Trust Fund and work to bring more federal tax dollars to the state for transportation projects.
As recently as last week we’ve also been in conversations with GOP candidate, Rick Scott. In a letter sent to FTBA from Mr. Scott, he outlined his promise that if elected governor, he would protect transportation user fees and ensure they are only utilized for Florida’s transportation infrastructure needs. Mr. Scott made it clear that any action to the contrary would eliminate jobs, adversely impact much-needed transportation projects and impede job creation. As part of Mr. Scott’s 7-7-7 Plan, the republican candidate illustrates a gubernatorial agenda that is dedicated to balancing the budget and creating long-term, well-paid jobs while providing the core functions a state must supply its citizens, such as an efficient transportation system.
While our industry continues to see lackluster work load projections for the next fiscal year, it is reassuring to know our issues are being discussed by both Governor-hopefuls. With an estimated 18 percent decline in road construction contracts for fiscal year 2011, it is pivotal Florida’s next governor grasps the positive economic contributions of a strong multi-modal transportation system and the millions of jobs created by members of the FTBA.
We applaud both Mr. Scott and CFO Sink for their willingness to protect user fees and Florida jobs while safeguarding our state’s expansive transportation system from diluted funding.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Trust Fund Safe with Next Florida Governor
With the impending threat of the transportation trust fund raids this past legislative session, we in this industry felt a dark cloud over our heads. Even now with Governor Crist’s final veto of the raids, the feeling that thousands of Floridians jobs could again fall victim to such thievery is not easily shaken.
Florida history has shown a thriving transportation industry gives way to the growth and strengthening of the state’s economy. As many of you know, for every $1 billion invested by state governments on highway construction and improvements approximately 28,000 jobs are created and for every $1 spent on road construction, $7 is returned to the economy. These facts simply cannot be ignored – and thankfully, there are four, important people that feel the same way.
A highlight of the 2010 FTBA Annual Convention was a chance to heed words of support from current governor and candidate for U.S. Senate, Charlie Crist, and gubernatorial candidates Attorney General Bill McCollum, CFO Alex Sink and Rick Scott. FTBA members were elated to hear all candidates promised to keep the transportation trust fund intact.
As I said at the Convention, we can take a moment to breathe knowing we just heard from the next governor of Florida, and no matter whom she or he is, our industry will be protected. And, with budget shortfalls slated to be worse than ever next year, it is a relief for now at least that our industry will not be in the crosshairs.
One good thing that came out of this legislative session for the transportation industry, besides the veto, was the elevated discussion about the importance of transportation projects on the state’s economy. Resulting from the grassroots and media outreach conducted to bring awareness to the issue, more Floridians know the value of a strong transportation infrastructure system. FTBA is thankful to those who vocalized their concerns and support. Refer to my last blog for ways you can help rally for our industry nationally, or visit http://bit.ly/c7zqfs.
Florida history has shown a thriving transportation industry gives way to the growth and strengthening of the state’s economy. As many of you know, for every $1 billion invested by state governments on highway construction and improvements approximately 28,000 jobs are created and for every $1 spent on road construction, $7 is returned to the economy. These facts simply cannot be ignored – and thankfully, there are four, important people that feel the same way.
A highlight of the 2010 FTBA Annual Convention was a chance to heed words of support from current governor and candidate for U.S. Senate, Charlie Crist, and gubernatorial candidates Attorney General Bill McCollum, CFO Alex Sink and Rick Scott. FTBA members were elated to hear all candidates promised to keep the transportation trust fund intact.
As I said at the Convention, we can take a moment to breathe knowing we just heard from the next governor of Florida, and no matter whom she or he is, our industry will be protected. And, with budget shortfalls slated to be worse than ever next year, it is a relief for now at least that our industry will not be in the crosshairs.
One good thing that came out of this legislative session for the transportation industry, besides the veto, was the elevated discussion about the importance of transportation projects on the state’s economy. Resulting from the grassroots and media outreach conducted to bring awareness to the issue, more Floridians know the value of a strong transportation infrastructure system. FTBA is thankful to those who vocalized their concerns and support. Refer to my last blog for ways you can help rally for our industry nationally, or visit http://bit.ly/c7zqfs.
Your Help is Needed Nationally: Federal Action NOW on Highway Bill
During the 2010 legislative session, we saw just how pivotal our voice is in creating the political pressure necessary to get lawmakers to take action. Now our help is needed on a national level!
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA - http://bit.ly/16OcPD) is working to pass a multi-year, robustly-funded highway and transit investment bill after more than 9 months of extensions and delays by Congress. To move this measure along - which concurrently would allow for more federal transportation dollars to come to Florida - ARTBA is launching a grassroots initiative to pass this transportation funding bill. FTBA members are asked to help ARTBA make every effort to convince members of Congress that the transportation construction industry needs this bill passed immediately.
What Would a Volunteer Do?
Many FTBA members in urban areas may have several members of Congress to visit. As a result, FTBA is looking for multiple volunteers in each district.
Volunteers for this effort would:
- Secure face-to-face meetings with U.S. Representatives and Senators within their local congressional district
- Share their personal story with lawmakers concerning federal transportation funding and how it benefits their community and supports jobs
- Ask their Congressmen to make this legislation a 2010 PRIORITY. Lawmakers should also be asked to commit that they will REPEATEDLY ask party leadership in the House and Senate to pass the overdue highway and transit investment bill
- Provide information to FTBA about the details of each lawmaker meeting such as when the meeting occurred, what was discussed and the resulting outcomes
I Want to Volunteer - What are the Next Steps?
For more information, the newly-developed ARTBA Mobilize Grassroots Action Guide (http://bit.ly/aWABWL) provides a potential volunteer with all the information they need to conduct successful meetings.
If you are willing to volunteer, please e-mail me at bburleson@ftba.com and we will provide you with additional information and details. Thank you for your consideration.
The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA - http://bit.ly/16OcPD) is working to pass a multi-year, robustly-funded highway and transit investment bill after more than 9 months of extensions and delays by Congress. To move this measure along - which concurrently would allow for more federal transportation dollars to come to Florida - ARTBA is launching a grassroots initiative to pass this transportation funding bill. FTBA members are asked to help ARTBA make every effort to convince members of Congress that the transportation construction industry needs this bill passed immediately.
What Would a Volunteer Do?
Many FTBA members in urban areas may have several members of Congress to visit. As a result, FTBA is looking for multiple volunteers in each district.
Volunteers for this effort would:
- Secure face-to-face meetings with U.S. Representatives and Senators within their local congressional district
- Share their personal story with lawmakers concerning federal transportation funding and how it benefits their community and supports jobs
- Ask their Congressmen to make this legislation a 2010 PRIORITY. Lawmakers should also be asked to commit that they will REPEATEDLY ask party leadership in the House and Senate to pass the overdue highway and transit investment bill
- Provide information to FTBA about the details of each lawmaker meeting such as when the meeting occurred, what was discussed and the resulting outcomes
I Want to Volunteer - What are the Next Steps?
For more information, the newly-developed ARTBA Mobilize Grassroots Action Guide (http://bit.ly/aWABWL) provides a potential volunteer with all the information they need to conduct successful meetings.
If you are willing to volunteer, please e-mail me at bburleson@ftba.com and we will provide you with additional information and details. Thank you for your consideration.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
2010 FTBA Annual Convention – An Epic Success!
Still energized from the excitement of this year’s Convention, I look on to our future endeavors with a true sense of how vital the transportation industry is to our state. An ongoing theme this year – and it comes as no surprise to us in the field – is how major a role our industry plays on Florida’s job market, its citizen’s daily operations, and its overall economic success. A closer look into its significance and you begin to see just how much our work touches the lives of Floridians everyday. Speakers at our convention echoed this sentiment.
FTBA is grateful to Governor Charlie Crist - candidate for U.S. Senate, Attorney General Bill McCollum, CFO, Alex Sink and Rick Scott – three gubernatorial candidates, for sharing their proposed plans to strengthen Florida’s transportation industry with attendees at the Convention this past week. At their campaign’s request we have shared the specifics of AG McCollum’s plan (http://bit.ly/bb4wDk) with you in the last blog post, and you will find CFO Sink’s plan and FTBA’s commendation of it by visiting http://bit.ly/a05q4j. Both vow to protect transportation jobs and funding, correct the Florida “donor state” status to bring more federal dollars to our state, as well as halt any raids on the transportation trust fund.
We would also like to thank Executive Director Sally Patrenos for the Florida Transportation Commission update, Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos, Assistant Secretary Ananth Prasad, Chief Engineer Brian Blanchard, and Director of Construction David Sadler from FDOT for a FDOT Work Program update and for leading the discussion of industry issues.
FTBA would also like to congratulate all of the award winners, along with the following scholarship winners: Jimena Calleja – recipient of the Philip Buenaventura Scholarship; Ernest Duffoo – recipient of a FTBA Scholarship; Shelby Frantz – recipient of the Bob’s Barricades Scholarship; Alex Hart – recipient of the G. Paul Turner Scholarship; Rebehak Havanec – recipient of the Bonn-J Contracting Scholarship; Josh Herrera – recipient of the Robert Nolen Memorial Scholarship; Latanya Linton – recipient of a FTBA Scholarship and Rana Riad- recipient of the Bob Burleson Presidential Scholarship.
In addition, FTBA members had great time learning about social media from Cordell Parvin, of Cordell Parvin, LLC and participating in a wine tasting with Jay Burleson. Appreciation also goes out to country music stars, Billy Dean and Travis Tritt, for livening up the party – and our wonderful sponsors below for making it all happen!
Don’t forget to save the date for the 2011 Annual Convention August 4 – 7, 2011 at the Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort.
2010 FTBA Annual Convention Sponsors: 3M Company, ADS / Hancor, Advanced Contracting Specialties, LLC, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC, APAC-Southeast, Inc., Bonn-J Contracting, Inc. of Florida, C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc., Cemex, Cemex, Rinker Materials Concrete Pipe Division, CMC Rebar Florida, Community Asphalt Corp., Cone & Graham, Inc., Construction Career Days, D.A.B. Constructors, Inc., Flagler Construction Equipment, LLC, General Asphalt Co., Inc., Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Hanson Pipe & Precast, HeistProof LLC., Hertz Equipment Rental, Highway Safety Devices, Inc., Highway Technologies, Hubbard Construction Company, InSource, Inc., InsulFoam, J. Mori Painting, Inc., J.B. Coxwell Contracting, Inc., Johnson Bros., Kelly Tractor Company, Leware Construction Company, Linder Industrial Machinery Co., M.E. Wilson Co., Inc., Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., Nortrax Equipment Co., S.E., PAW Materials Demolition, Inc., PB Americas, Inc., PCL Civil Constructors, Inc., Ranger Construction Industries, Inc., Reliance Supply, Ring Power Corporation, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc., RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc., RoadTEC,Inc., Russell Engineering, Inc., Siboney Contracting Company, Tampa Steel Erecting Company, The Middlesex Corporation, The Reinforced Earth Co., Thompson Tractor Company, Inc., Tractor & Equipment Company, Trinity Highway Products, LLC, Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli, P.A., Vulcan Materials Co. Florida Rock Division, Weekley Asphalt Paving, Co., White Rock Quarries, WRSCompass
FTBA is grateful to Governor Charlie Crist - candidate for U.S. Senate, Attorney General Bill McCollum, CFO, Alex Sink and Rick Scott – three gubernatorial candidates, for sharing their proposed plans to strengthen Florida’s transportation industry with attendees at the Convention this past week. At their campaign’s request we have shared the specifics of AG McCollum’s plan (http://bit.ly/bb4wDk) with you in the last blog post, and you will find CFO Sink’s plan and FTBA’s commendation of it by visiting http://bit.ly/a05q4j. Both vow to protect transportation jobs and funding, correct the Florida “donor state” status to bring more federal dollars to our state, as well as halt any raids on the transportation trust fund.
We would also like to thank Executive Director Sally Patrenos for the Florida Transportation Commission update, Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos, Assistant Secretary Ananth Prasad, Chief Engineer Brian Blanchard, and Director of Construction David Sadler from FDOT for a FDOT Work Program update and for leading the discussion of industry issues.
FTBA would also like to congratulate all of the award winners, along with the following scholarship winners: Jimena Calleja – recipient of the Philip Buenaventura Scholarship; Ernest Duffoo – recipient of a FTBA Scholarship; Shelby Frantz – recipient of the Bob’s Barricades Scholarship; Alex Hart – recipient of the G. Paul Turner Scholarship; Rebehak Havanec – recipient of the Bonn-J Contracting Scholarship; Josh Herrera – recipient of the Robert Nolen Memorial Scholarship; Latanya Linton – recipient of a FTBA Scholarship and Rana Riad- recipient of the Bob Burleson Presidential Scholarship.
In addition, FTBA members had great time learning about social media from Cordell Parvin, of Cordell Parvin, LLC and participating in a wine tasting with Jay Burleson. Appreciation also goes out to country music stars, Billy Dean and Travis Tritt, for livening up the party – and our wonderful sponsors below for making it all happen!
Don’t forget to save the date for the 2011 Annual Convention August 4 – 7, 2011 at the Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort.
2010 FTBA Annual Convention Sponsors: 3M Company, ADS / Hancor, Advanced Contracting Specialties, LLC, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC, APAC-Southeast, Inc., Bonn-J Contracting, Inc. of Florida, C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc., Cemex, Cemex, Rinker Materials Concrete Pipe Division, CMC Rebar Florida, Community Asphalt Corp., Cone & Graham, Inc., Construction Career Days, D.A.B. Constructors, Inc., Flagler Construction Equipment, LLC, General Asphalt Co., Inc., Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Hanson Pipe & Precast, HeistProof LLC., Hertz Equipment Rental, Highway Safety Devices, Inc., Highway Technologies, Hubbard Construction Company, InSource, Inc., InsulFoam, J. Mori Painting, Inc., J.B. Coxwell Contracting, Inc., Johnson Bros., Kelly Tractor Company, Leware Construction Company, Linder Industrial Machinery Co., M.E. Wilson Co., Inc., Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., Nortrax Equipment Co., S.E., PAW Materials Demolition, Inc., PB Americas, Inc., PCL Civil Constructors, Inc., Ranger Construction Industries, Inc., Reliance Supply, Ring Power Corporation, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc., RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc., RoadTEC,Inc., Russell Engineering, Inc., Siboney Contracting Company, Tampa Steel Erecting Company, The Middlesex Corporation, The Reinforced Earth Co., Thompson Tractor Company, Inc., Tractor & Equipment Company, Trinity Highway Products, LLC, Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli, P.A., Vulcan Materials Co. Florida Rock Division, Weekley Asphalt Paving, Co., White Rock Quarries, WRSCompass
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Gubernatorial Candidates Line Up Behind Florida’s Transportation System
Gubernatorial Candidates Line Up Behind Florida’s Transportation System
Last week, Attorney General Bill McCollum revealed his plan to create jobs and provide real solutions for Florida’s transportation infrastructure and overall economic viability. The Attorney General is the first gubernatorial candidate to release a transportation vision plan of this scale but we are hopeful other candidates will be doing so as Election Day nears. His proposal stands to make a huge impact on the future of Florida’s transportation industry and illustrates the economic potential our industry can provide when properly funded. This announcement clearly displays McCollum’s understanding that transportation funding creates jobs.
However, the support of Florida’s cabinet members comes at no surprise to those who followed our fight to keep the transportation trust fund intact during the last legislative session. Both the Attorney General and our state’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Alex Sink, were strong advocates for the security of the transportation industry. When Legislators on both sides of the aisle aimed to steal millions of dollars from the transportation trust fund, AG McCollum – along with CFO Sink - stood up and called on lawmakers to cease the raids and use the fund as it was originally intended. Sending a letter directly to Speaker of the House, Larry Cretul, the Attorney General carefully explained the economic impact the transportation contracting industry has on Florida’s long-term financial sustainability. Similarly, CFO Sink asked lawmakers to carefully consider the importance of a reliable, interconnected transportation network and stressed the need to continue to invest in Florida’s transportation infrastructure.
We applauded both their efforts then and we’re happy to see this continued support today from these Governor-hopefuls.
In an effort to maintain his promise to protect transportation jobs and funding, AG McCollum’s plan includes several overarching goals, including the enhancement of “Florida’s strategic intermodal system” to achieve coordinated goals. His plan also specifically calls for the restoration of the “Future Corridors” process to ensure long-term planning. If elected governor, AG McCollum vowed to implement his plan and stated that it was an integral part of his overall economic agenda.
For now, the Attorney General has provided us with hopeful visions of the future. If elected, AG McCollum won’t stand for the transportation trust fund to be used as the Legislature’s piggy bank - lawmakers will simply have to look elsewhere for revenue. Despite positive actions by both McCollum and Sink, many industry veterans know future attempts to sweep the trust fund will continue to be a major concern. Looking forward, it is my hope that AG McCollum’s long-term transportation vision will be echoed by the other gubernatorial candidates. With all contenders in agreement, the trust fund can be left to its original intent – funding Florida’s transportation projects and putting us to work!
To view AG Bill McCollum’s plan visit http://bit.ly/bb4wDk.
Last week, Attorney General Bill McCollum revealed his plan to create jobs and provide real solutions for Florida’s transportation infrastructure and overall economic viability. The Attorney General is the first gubernatorial candidate to release a transportation vision plan of this scale but we are hopeful other candidates will be doing so as Election Day nears. His proposal stands to make a huge impact on the future of Florida’s transportation industry and illustrates the economic potential our industry can provide when properly funded. This announcement clearly displays McCollum’s understanding that transportation funding creates jobs.
However, the support of Florida’s cabinet members comes at no surprise to those who followed our fight to keep the transportation trust fund intact during the last legislative session. Both the Attorney General and our state’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Alex Sink, were strong advocates for the security of the transportation industry. When Legislators on both sides of the aisle aimed to steal millions of dollars from the transportation trust fund, AG McCollum – along with CFO Sink - stood up and called on lawmakers to cease the raids and use the fund as it was originally intended. Sending a letter directly to Speaker of the House, Larry Cretul, the Attorney General carefully explained the economic impact the transportation contracting industry has on Florida’s long-term financial sustainability. Similarly, CFO Sink asked lawmakers to carefully consider the importance of a reliable, interconnected transportation network and stressed the need to continue to invest in Florida’s transportation infrastructure.
We applauded both their efforts then and we’re happy to see this continued support today from these Governor-hopefuls.
In an effort to maintain his promise to protect transportation jobs and funding, AG McCollum’s plan includes several overarching goals, including the enhancement of “Florida’s strategic intermodal system” to achieve coordinated goals. His plan also specifically calls for the restoration of the “Future Corridors” process to ensure long-term planning. If elected governor, AG McCollum vowed to implement his plan and stated that it was an integral part of his overall economic agenda.
For now, the Attorney General has provided us with hopeful visions of the future. If elected, AG McCollum won’t stand for the transportation trust fund to be used as the Legislature’s piggy bank - lawmakers will simply have to look elsewhere for revenue. Despite positive actions by both McCollum and Sink, many industry veterans know future attempts to sweep the trust fund will continue to be a major concern. Looking forward, it is my hope that AG McCollum’s long-term transportation vision will be echoed by the other gubernatorial candidates. With all contenders in agreement, the trust fund can be left to its original intent – funding Florida’s transportation projects and putting us to work!
To view AG Bill McCollum’s plan visit http://bit.ly/bb4wDk.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
How About Some Honesty in the Budget?
Yesterday was a historic day in Florida. Gov. Charlie Crist sent a clear message to the current and future legislatures that Trust Funds are not to be messed with. They are not the personal piggybank of the Legislature.
During the Legislative session I sat through committee after committee in the House where statements were made that members had no choice other than sweep money from the State Transportation Trust Fund. How could we possibly expect legislators to pick transportation over funding for children and education or the needy? I would agree that is difficult. Certainly budgets are all about priorities. Amazingly, at the end of session a large number of special projects appeared in the budget- having nothing to do with young children or the needy.
Many of these projects are worthwhile. I am not questioning the merits of any of these projects. I would make 2 points. First, these projects should compete with all other items for GENERAL REVENUE funding in the budget. Stay away from TRUST FUNDS! Second, please be upfront with us. Don't tell us that you have no choice but to steal from the trust fund. Obviously you had many choices as evidenced by the large amount of vetoed projects.
I am hopeful that the veto yesterday will force the Legislature to really examine their budget process and their priorities. If the budget does not contain enough revenue for all of the Legislature's priorities maybe it is time to consider raising revenues. The budget next year is facing a huge deficit with no federal stimulus funding left to help bail us out.
Transportation spending creates more jobs quickly than any other government spending. It also produces a very tangible and much needed product. The sweep of the trust fund could have resulted in the loss of as many as 11,000 jobs in Florida over the next 12 months. That job loss comes in a state with 12% unemployment overall and over 20% in construction. We are already borrowing $300 million a month from the federal government to pay our unemployment. That makes no sense.
I congratulate Governor Charlie Crist on his courage to stand up for the workers of this state. Governor Crist understands that Floridians need jobs. Governor Crist understands trust funds. Thank you, Governor Crist.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend to everyone!
During the Legislative session I sat through committee after committee in the House where statements were made that members had no choice other than sweep money from the State Transportation Trust Fund. How could we possibly expect legislators to pick transportation over funding for children and education or the needy? I would agree that is difficult. Certainly budgets are all about priorities. Amazingly, at the end of session a large number of special projects appeared in the budget- having nothing to do with young children or the needy.
Many of these projects are worthwhile. I am not questioning the merits of any of these projects. I would make 2 points. First, these projects should compete with all other items for GENERAL REVENUE funding in the budget. Stay away from TRUST FUNDS! Second, please be upfront with us. Don't tell us that you have no choice but to steal from the trust fund. Obviously you had many choices as evidenced by the large amount of vetoed projects.
I am hopeful that the veto yesterday will force the Legislature to really examine their budget process and their priorities. If the budget does not contain enough revenue for all of the Legislature's priorities maybe it is time to consider raising revenues. The budget next year is facing a huge deficit with no federal stimulus funding left to help bail us out.
Transportation spending creates more jobs quickly than any other government spending. It also produces a very tangible and much needed product. The sweep of the trust fund could have resulted in the loss of as many as 11,000 jobs in Florida over the next 12 months. That job loss comes in a state with 12% unemployment overall and over 20% in construction. We are already borrowing $300 million a month from the federal government to pay our unemployment. That makes no sense.
I congratulate Governor Charlie Crist on his courage to stand up for the workers of this state. Governor Crist understands that Floridians need jobs. Governor Crist understands trust funds. Thank you, Governor Crist.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend to everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)