Challenges and Opportunities in 2012

The past three years have been very challenging for the road building industry and 2012 will yield even more challenges. But with challenges come hope and opportunity.
Gov. Scott’s bold plan to advance over $1 billion in new work offers great promise. At the same time contractors must secure financing in order to bid and fund these jobs. These projects are all large but offer opportunities for many subcontractors and suppliers in addition to the prime contractors.
In the Orlando area agreement has been reached to begin the Wekiva Parkway. Concerns have been raised that other local projects may be deferred because of Wekiva. In reality, a combination of things have forced local leaders to make difficult choices. If the Legislature had not raided the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF) two of the previous three years there would be fewer (if any) project deferrals. The Department has done a great job of filling the gaps created by the $265 million in sweeps in 2009 and 2011. Eventually the impact of the sweeps must be felt and we are seeing that in project deferrals not only in Orlando but all across the state. Of course, the fact that collections for gas taxes and tag and title fees are down has had a huge impact. The 5 year work program has been modified following each Revenue Estimating Conference. Gov. Scott has made it clear to legislative leaders that he will not stand for another sweep of the STTF. That gives us great hope moving forward.
There is opportunity for new funding in a couple of areas without raising taxes. Hopefully the Legislature will consider returning the 2009 increases to the tag and title user fees to the STTF. This could bring in an additional $500 million in recurring revenue for the STTF. The objection to this proposal is that General Revenue cannot stand to lose $500 million in a year when we are facing a projected deficit of $1.5 Billion - $2 Billion.
I understand the concept that if you increase government revenue they will spend the money. I follow the logic that the only way to cut waste in government spending is to not allow for revenue increases. You must first cut spending in all areas that are unnecessary. I agree with that thought process to a point. First, I don’t believe we will ever eliminate all wasteful spending. Second, I don’t think government should rob dedicated trust funds to help meet the needs of General Revenue. If all possible cuts have been made than maybe it’s time to consider ideas that increase revenue.

Keep Us Informed; An Informal Audit

Despite thousands of emails, tweets, posts, calls and signatures from Florida’s transportation building industry and our allies, the $150 million State Transportation Trust Fund raid was not vetoed. The legislature left Governor Scott with few choices to fill this year’s budget gap. The Legislature’s careless, but deliberate, tying of the STTF raid to education funding will now have an unmistakable negative impact on jobs, business and the Florida’s overall economy.

While the fight may have been lost, the battle is certainly not over. Before Governor Scott signed the budget, he pledged he would do what was necessary to ensure future raids are stopped and increased transportation funding is thoroughly considered.

With the 2012 legislative session starting in early January, Florida’s transportation building industry must organize to help support Governor Scott as he works to protect the STTF. In order to keep history from repeating itself, we need to bring real-life examples of the repercussions the reduced FDOT budget will have on this state. Consider it an informal audit of the consequences of the legislature’s actions.

Over the next six months, email or call me directly (bburleson@ftba.com). Tell me the impacts seen at your company or what you’ve heard of others since the sweep of 2009 and the economic slowdown. All data will remain anonymous, but FTBA needs your help to stop the STTF raids before they even have legislative traction. On a monthly basis, be sure to send me the following information and hardships your company has experienced:

• Jobs Lost
• Equipment Sold
• Projects Deferred
• Worker Benefits Reduced

We need to continue reminding legislators and Governor Scott about our industry’s economic importance to the state. We hope you share your information with us.

Do your Part to Save 7000 Jobs – May 10, 2011

As the 2011 legislative session came to close, the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) saw the writing on the wall. Despite lawmakers’ pro-jobs platform, a dangerous, anti-jobs measure was included in the 2011-2012 General Appropriations Bill.

Now, FTBA needs your help to encourage a gubernatorial veto of a $150 million dollar raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund. The multimillion dollar sweep of trust fund dollars will create a potential $250-million reduction in the Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) construction work program and will result in the potential elimination of more than 7,000 Florida jobs.

How Can I Help?
Today, FTBA launched an online petition drive. Can we count on you to sign?

Signing the online petition only takes a moment of your time and will support this much-deserved executive order. You can sign the petition by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/veto-transportation-raid.

Once you sign the petition, you will be able to share it with your various colleagues and contacts via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Gov. Scott has pledged to create jobs but these transportation funding cuts will only reduce Florida’s workforce and add to the state’s widespread congestion problems. Do your part to support Gov. Scott in this effort and let him know “I’m a Floridian and I Support Your Veto of the Transportation Trust Fund Raid!”

Sign our ePetition today!

House Continues to Kick the Can Down the Road

The House’s proposal to rob $330 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF) presents a daunting potential threat to the future of Florida’s transportation infrastructure and citizens alike.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) assesses that the $330 million dollar sweep would have a $500-$900 million dollar impact on current and future FDOT projects. Such drastic measures would result in the elimination of up to 25,000 jobs.

It’s a frustrating contradiction. Members of the House continue to advocate for the need to create private sector jobs yet they propose stealing multimillions of dollars from the trust fund. The revenues collected by the transportation trust fund are used by the FDOT to build projects that ultimately create the same private sector jobs these lawmakers are calling for.

The Florida Senate and the Governor get it. They are not proposing any cuts to the STTF in their budget proposals and are willing to make the choices needed which the House appears unwilling to make. As a matter of fact the Senate is actually looking for ways to increase transportation construction dollars!Governor Scott is doing his best to create 700,000 jobs, but this proposed trust fund raid by the House would make such a figure nearly impossible to achieve.

The STTF is funded solely by direct user fees with the exception of a small amount of doc stamp revenue. We do not continually return to the Legislature asking for general revenue support to build the transportation infrastructure projects all Floridians depend on to move about the state. How can we talk about adding new and deserving programs such as port improvements, light rail or transit while at the same time suggest the state rob the trust fund which is set up to pay for these kind of projects?

Since this sweep was first proposed, I have had House members tell me they have “no choice” other than to raid the STTF. I simply do not believe that. Of course they have a choice – they have been elected by the general electorate of their district to vote. That is their choice. In 2010 there was also “no choice” except to take $160 million from the STTF. Yet, at the same time, Floridians saw final budget negotiations miraculously include new funding projects! In 2009 the legislature raised transportation user fees over $500 million dollars per year and kept the entire amount for general revenue. Even with the unwarranted diversion of $500 million from the trust fund each and every year members of the House still are coming back for more. Only in a dictatorship is “no choice” truly the norm.

Every dollar taken from the STTF is not only a project lost, it is an impact on a construction workers livelihood. It is a job at stake. It’s food off the table. It’s another person waiting in line for unemployment compensation. Talk about not having a choice – ask the laid off worker about not having choices.

Preserving our Trust, Advocacy Continues

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with members of the Orlando Sentinel editorial board to share with them upcoming concerns and legislative priorities for Florida’s transportation building industry.

We all vividly remember the actions taken last year by members of the House to raid money from the state transportation trust fund in a knee-jerk attempt to balance the budget. The final $160 million posed to be taken out of the trust fund would have cost 11,000 Florida jobs. After a narrow victory by the Governor’s veto pen, we once again need to be vigilant to protect the trust fund and the road projects that put Floridians to work. Governor Rick Scott has pledged to create 700,000 jobs in the next seven years. Florida’s transportation industry will play an integral part in reaching this goal by producing 28,000 new jobs per every $1 billion invested.

As a result of our visit and sharing our thoughts, the Orlando Sentinel published an editorial called, “Our take on: A bright idea & No more trust fund raids” (Jan. 25) The article stressed the importance of protecting the trust fund because it “supports thousands of badly needed road and other transportation construction jobs.” You can read the entire column here: http://bit.ly/fqEtuq

Orlando Sentinel senior editorial writer, Victor Schaffner, also shared some of our thoughts in a subsequent column, “Another threat to transportation funding” (Jan. 25) where he discussed a recent suggestion from one of the Governor’s Transition Teams which recommended possibly combining various state agencies with the Department of Transportation into one super-agency. This could potentially become the newest threat to the trust fund by pressuring legislators to use transportation user fees to fuel the new super-agency’s projects. You can read the entire column here: http://bit.ly/eJSqhw

Transportation makes Florida work. It is essential to improving our economy and strengthening our state’s infrastructure. In order to ensure jobs are saved and new growth opportunities for businesses advance, the state must allow transportation projects to receive sufficient funding. We are confident Governor Scott will keep his campaign promise to ensure all user fees dedicated to the transportation trust fund are not used to fill Florida’s mammoth deficient. However, educating Floridians about the positive impacts of an adequately funded transportation system, which we rely on everyday, must continue. It’s never too early to start preparing for another attempted raid on the one true user fee that provides taxpayers with a tangible service. As drivers pay for gas, the added fees fund the road projects down the street. This clear connection makes the legislative robbery of trust fund dollars even harder to swallow.

As legislative committees begin to meet and start forming budget requirements and determine “cost-cutting” savings, we must prepare as an industry to protect transportation user fees. Until deficits begin to shrink, the real threat of trust fund raids will continue to climb.

Republican House Rules Not a Good Start

On Tuesday, House Republicans approved new rules for the 112th Congress. If their action on the rules is any indication of things to come; the transportation industry and, by extension, the entire country is in for a rocky ride. The new rules change a rule enacted in 1998 under a Republican-controlled Congress providing all funds collected for the Highway Trust Fund are not only collected but spent for transportation purposes as intended. The actual rule change is as follows,
“(4) Highway Funding.—In rule XXI, amend clause 3 to read as follows:
“3. It shall not be in order to consider a bill, joint resolution, or conference report that—
“(a) provides spending authority derived from receipts deposited in the Highway Trust Fund (excluding any transfers from the General Fund of the Treasury);”
This is not exactly easy reading but to those of us involved in transportation we immediately knew the problem. These rules were proposed between Christmas and New Year’s when it was virtually impossible to reach members, particularly new members, of Congress. Despite the timing there was a huge outpouring of objection from state DOT’s, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor unions and industry trade groups.
Prior to 1998 Congress had a habit of not spending all gas tax dollars collected for the Trust Fund. These unspent funds were used in a strange “smoke and mirrors” game to help balance the budget. It appears we are again headed in that direction.
I have never been in favor of transportation funding coming from general revenue, subject to the yearly whims of Congress. I do believe all gas tax dollars collected should go to fund transportation. For years it has been clear that gas tax revenues could not sustain the level of funding established by Congress. Once the surplus in the fund was spent down the trust fund was “bailed out” with infusions from general revenue. This “bail out” was necessary because Congress was unwilling to consider an increase in the gas tax. They ignored all warnings that the trust fund would go bust. Congress simply kicked the revenue issue down the road to a future Congress (sound familiar?) while at the same time being unwilling to cut necessary infrastructure spending.
Why not consider funding only highways from the Highway Trust Fund? The Trust Fund’s revenue source is the gas tax – paid for by cars and trucks using the nation’s highways. That in no way means we abandon public transportation. There is a definite need to fund public transportation and funding that from general revenue makes perfect sense. Public transportation should even be given a defined source of revenue from within general revenue and their own trust fund. Highway construction, however, needs long term certainty for funding projects. They cannot rely on year to year funding from Congress. We need the knowledge that all gas tax funds collected will be spent. Otherwise, states will not be able to fully program federal funds.
I applaud the Republican majority and their interest to get government spending under control. Our national debt is the biggest problem facing the country. If you listen to the new Congressional leadership you continually hear a general refrain that we need to bring spending under control. I don’t hear any specific plans to cut major spending, particularly entitlements. The House leadership rejected the proposals from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. To date, efforts such as cutting office budgets by 5 percent or holding back a small portion of Highway Trust Fund revenues are not getting to the problem. It is similar to worrying about a mouse in the room when a herd of elephants is taking dead aim at you.
Not spending dollars collected for the purpose of funding much needed transportation projects is flat out wrong. It is one more example of breaking trust with the people. Let’s hope our House leaders reconsider.

To Protect and Preserve: Transportation and the Environment

When the average American thinks of environmentally friendly industries, the transportation building business does not typically come to mind. But in greater reflection, it really should.

After two centuries of road building, the Federal Highway Administration reports our public roads occupy less than one-half of one percent of the total U.S. land area. That said, leaders in the transportation construction fields undoubtedly respect and recognize the integral role our industry plays in the state of our environment and we are taking action to protect it.

According to Transportation and the Environment: Greener & Cleaner, a report from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the oldest and most respected transportation construction-related association in the nation, the transportation construction industry is currently the largest recycler in the world due to the initiatives to reuse construction materials. More than 100 million tons of asphalt used in roadways, runways and parking lots are reclaimed annually.

When it comes to equipment and operations, transportation tools and tactics are more advanced than previous years, allowing for greener and cleaner efficiency. For example, construction contractors are employing emission-smart practices such as using lower-emitting fuels and finding local sources for building materials to cut shipping-related emissions. In fact, a 2009 report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states the entire U.S. construction industry, including transportation construction accounts for a mere 1.7 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions.

While it’s clear we have come a long way, there is undoubtedly more work to be done. In addition to responsible transportation management practices, our national environmental footprint cannot be improved without addressing air quality. Limitless gallons of fuel are wantonly spent by motorists sitting in idle traffic adding extraneous carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The Unclogging America’s Arteries: Effective Relief for Highways report, released in 2004 by Cambridge Systematics, found real reductions in carbon emissions will come from cutting time traveled in vehicles, not miles traveled. The report’s findings concluded modest traffic flow improvements in the nations more prominent 233 “traffic bottlenecks” would preserve more than 40 billion gallons of fuel over a 20-year span while reducing CO2 emissions by as much as 77 percent.

This information is powerful. By building roads that help reduce the nation’s most troubling traffic bottlenecks, our nation has a chance at an environmental rebirth. Each year, more than 16 million residents, 75 million visitors and 850,000 tons of freight travel on Florida’s highways, roads and streets. In 2008, the American Society of Civil Engineers’ report card for Florida’s transportation infrastructure gave the state’s highways a ‘C’ with drivers in Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville wasting more than 200 million combined hours and nearly 150 million gallons of fuel sitting in traffic, costing more than $3.8 billion to the state’s economy.

We should continue to invest in energy efficient technologies and work plans that keep our environmental footprint at the forefront of all transportation infrastructure decisions. I’m proud of our fellow industries across the nation that continue to move forward to protect and preserve our environment. It is time now for our lawmakers to address the issue at its source.

Common Sense on Spending- The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform

“America cannot be great if we go broke.” That is the opening statement in the draft Co-Chairs’ proposal from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, better known as the Deficit Reduction Commission. There is, in my opinion, no greater danger to our Country than the spiraling national debt. We must act soon to get our Nation’s financial house in order.
The non-partisan Commission is comprised of 18 individuals, including 12 members of Congress- 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans. They are due to issue their report on Dec. 1, 2010. In order to release a final report containing a set of recommendations to achieve its mission the Commission must have the approval of at least 14 of the 18 members. Let’s hope the Commission reaches a consensus and, more importantly, that Congress listens to and acts upon the recommendations.
One recommendation in the Co-Chairs’ draft is an increase of 15 cents in the federal gas tax to pay for transportation infrastructure while calling for an end to General Revenue spending for transportation. The General Revenue spending has been necessary the last two years to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent while Congress refused to address the need for an increase in the gas tax. This makes great sense and shows once again that national leaders on both sides of the aisle recognize the need for a well-maintained and continually improving national transportation system. They also recognize the need to pay for it - a novel concept in Washington these days! The draft also calls for transportation spending to become mandatory spending rather than discretionary spending. This recommendation should bring cheers from the transportation construction community.
Congress, the media and the general public need to give this report a fair hearing. It should not be immediately declared “DOA”. Opposition was immediately heard from both the left and the right. Congress should move quickly to implement the recommendations from the Commission.
We continually hear that “tough choices” need to be made. I agree. For many of the newly elected members of Congress, along with re-elected current members, the “tough choices” must mean more than cutting taxes and opposing any increases, no matter how necessary, in fees or taxes (like the gas tax). It means being open to changes in Social Security and the tax code. It means being open to cuts in entitlement spending. It really means “tough choices”.

The Importance of YOUR Vote

With only days until the 2010 election and early voting already underway, the opportunity to make an impact on our future is right in front of us. Midterm elections such as this year’s are notorious for drawing low voter turn out at the polls. The last midterm election in 2006 brought only 46 percent of Florida’s registered voters out of their homes and into the ballot box. However, we must not allow complacency to rule the day. The candidates we select to serve in public office, especially the governor, will have an enormous impact on the future of our state’s transportation industry and further economic vitality. This is why I urge you to exercise your right to vote in this election. By doing so, you can ensure Florida will have strong, effective leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up and do what is best for Florida.

As of September, Florida’s unemployment rate had risen to 11.9 percent. In hard times like these, it is imperative that our elected officials understand a well-financed transportation program is essential for job creation and ultimate economic success. For every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure, 28,000 jobs are created. This kind of growth will help get our economy back on track, as well as provide citizens with safe, reliable, and cost-effective means of transport. In a state which relies so heavily on tourism, an effective, integrated transportation system is a must.

Florida’s legislature has a history of using the Transportation Trust Fund as a piggybank for them to crack open every time the budget gets tight. This year, they attempted to pass a bill which would have stolen $160 million dollars from transportation. Current Governor Charlie Crist fortunately recognized the threat the proposed raid posed and vetoed it. This goes to show why having leaders who are supportive of transportation are an asset to us all. Thankfully, both candidates running to our state’s next governor, Democrat Alex Sink and Republican Rick Scott, realize how critical the transportation industry is to the economy and Floridians quality of life. Each have expressed their intent to refrain from robbing the trust fund and keep the revenue from transportation taxes where it belongs- in funding transportation projects.

Candidates often make hefty promises on the campaign trail. Now, more than ever, we need elected officials who will follow through on his or her campaign promises to adequately fund essential aspects of our infrastructure. This state’s transportation system is the backbone of Florida’s economy, and now is the time to elect leaders who are willing to protect it.

Every vote matters. If you are not currently familiar with your designated voting location, please visit the Florida Division of Elections website: http://registration.elections.myflorida.com/default.aspx. Share this information with your employees, co-workers, family and friends. We are all in this together and have earned the right to be included in this fundamental civic duty.

Solution for the Economy, Solution for Global Competitiveness – In Florida & Across the Nation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

I Already Have a Dog

What makes legacy legislation? It’s something that’s always seems to be fluid. Is it sweeping reform or is an economic initiative? Whatever the issue may be, it’s significant enough to catapult a lawmaker’s career from a no-name to a household name. Our Governor is most likely one of the most well-known Governor’s our state has seen but a legacy is more than public recognition, it’s about sound, responsible policy that will help Florida’s citizens.

As you may have read by now, the House and Senate agreed earlier this week to raid $160 million out of the State Transportation Trust Fund. Actions speak louder than words, we all know that. The loudest legislative action is a VETO and that is exactly what we need from Governor Charlie Crist. If he has a chance to save the 11,000 jobs that are in jeopardy – it is now.

The Governor listens to the people of Florida and he needs to hear from us in order to save our industry. The Governor understands and appreciates the positive impacts of a good transportation system and immediate job creation of transportation construction spending. We must do everything in our power to take this job-killing legislation down.
Governor Charlie Crist will notice if we start our outreach today. Will he veto the raid on the trust fund? At this point we do not know, but we are going to make an all out effort for a veto. It certainly makes sense to veto the sweep. The Governor has been focused on jobs and this is the biggest job killer in years.
Last year, Sonny Bunn, a contractor from Alabama and President of the Alabama Road Builders’ Association wrote a great article in which he quoted President Harry Truman who said, “If you want a friend in Washington, buy a dog”.
Sonny went on to say that applied in Alabama’s capitol of Montgomery and it certainly seems to hold true in Tallahassee. Borrowing from Sonny’s rhetoric again, I believe it is time to send a message to the Florida Legislature:
“If you cannot support [our state’s] transportation construction program by being on the side of economic growth, safety, jobs and quality of life – and prove it by casting the tough vote when it matters – we can still be friends, but we won’t be able to help you with your campaign this time. I’ve already got a dog, and don’t need any more. I need someone to stand up for our industry” and the people of Florida.

Thanks, Sonny, well said.

A Rally in Tally

On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA) held what was our first protest of legislative action in 20 years. Not since the Florida Department of Transportation essentially went bankrupt in 1989-1990 did our organization have to stand up and make noise for lawmakers to see the impact of their decisions.

More than 450 of FTBA’s members and their employees descended on Florida’s Capitol – the lobby of the building was orange with the reflective vests of hundreds of construction workers whose jobs are on the line. After a little rain and a hearty lunch, our rally began – we were fortunate to have the support of Senate President Jeff Atwater and Rep. Greg Evers. They encouraged the crowd to continue their efforts and work to tell lawmakers and Governor Crist about the hardships the raid on the transportation trust fund will cause their companies. We were also honored to have the support of Florida’s business community – representatives from heavy-hitting organizations such as Dominic Calabro of Florida TaxWatch, Barney Bishop of Associated Industries of Florida, Doug Callaway of Floridians for Better Transportation and Gabe Sheheane of the Florida Chamber of Commerce also spoke to rally attendees. Following the rally, protestors entered the main Capitol building and visited with lawmakers to ensure they were introduced to the face of our industry and the people behind the jobs that are now at risk.

We’ve worked diligently throughout the legislative session to make sure the House of Representatives was not successful in their attempts to steal more than $450 million from the State Transportation Trust Fund. Our efforts have not proven to be in vain and with a heavy heart the Senate agreed this week to officially pull $160 million from the trust fund to cover state budget deficits. All told, that equates to 11,200 jobs that will now be put in the crosshairs. This week’s rally showed us the power and strength of our membership. Our next stop: the VETO pen.

Visit my blog later this week to see why the Governor needs to VETO this legislation – in my opinion; it would be a legacy move that would not be forgotten.

Cabinet Members in Our Corner

From the start of this legislative debacle, FTBA was confident the state’s leadership would see the certain negative impacts of stealing transportation funding to balance the state’s ever growing budget deficits. Thus far into the fight to keep 85,000 transportation contracting jobs safe, both Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink have pledged their support and called on members of the House of Representatives to stop raids on the State Transportation Trust Fund.

Approximately three week ago, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink sent a letter directly to my attention which also highlighted the importance of keeping the State Transportation Trust Fund intact:

“…I fully support using the State Transportation Trust Fund for the purpose in which it was established: to pay for transportation projects. Any other use of these gas tax dollars breaks faith with our citizens…I join with the members and leadership of the FTBA in opposing any raid on the State Transportation Trust Fund. Legislative leaders should be encouraging quick job growth by protecting the funding of state transportation projects, not raiding the piggybank.” Full letter can be found here.

This week, Attorney General McCollum wrote House Speaker Larry Cretul and stated:

“While I understand the need to find dollars and using some trust funds may be suitable, it is important that the Transportation Trust Fund be spent on highway construction right now to help create as many jobs as possible…Sweeping the state Transportation Trust Fund would only compound the challenges we face, not alleviate them…The dollars accrued in transportation-related user fees should be left to fulfill their original objective, not used to fill unrelated budget gaps.” Full letter can be found here.

In addition to the support of AG McCollum and CFO Sink, Governor Charlie Crist has traditionally not encouraged raids on trust funds. We need his support more than ever – the people’s Governor must step up and do what’s in the best interest of the people. We encourage Governor Crist to veto any legislation that comes to his desk that attempts to raid the State Transportation Trust Fund. We hope you encourage him to do the same – call Governor Crist today at (850) 488-7146 and tell him there is too much at stake to steal from the State Transportation Trust Fund.

Are People Really the Priority?

As the House voted their budget forward yesterday, FTBA released a statement on the actual number of Floridians who would be affected if the Transportation Trust Fund is allowed to be drained. Lawmakers in the House have continued to say their budget prioritizes people over things, but that is simply not the case. If it prioritizes people, then why are thousands upon thousands of jobs hanging in the balance? With lower revenue collections and the House’s determination to continue stealing from the State Transportation Trust Fund, we’re talking 85,000 jobs to be exact. Read the full statement here.

On a happier note, I’m pleased to report the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has stood up against the current raids to the State Transportation Trust Fund. Their letter to Speaker Cretul this week was a timely plea in the fight for Florida’s jobs. The Tampa Chamber seems to understand the detriment this sweep will cause our state as early as this year and they aren’t going to stand idly by as the House forges on with this “job killing” bill.

Their letter specifically cited:

“The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s legislative agenda was created this year with the primary focus of job creation, retention, and expansion. Toward that end, the passage of HB 5503 will result in both direct and indirect job losses as the sweep will cause cuts from the Florida Department of Transportation priority project construction list. Transportation funding, unlike many other forms for government funding, shows a direct, tangible result that benefits all Floridians.”

The entire letter can be found here - Thank you for your efforts in this cause, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.