$1B Transportation Bill Faces Setback In House
Republican infighting over a major transportation plan is spilling out into the open.
The plan, which seeks to raise $1 billion, was sent back to the House Transportation Committee Tuesday, representing a setback for Republicans leaders.
Many rank and file Republicans argue the bill, which already has gone through several revisions, amounts to a major tax hike.
Rep. David Stover of Newnan originally supported the plan, but recently withdrew that support.
“I believe I’m representative of 50 percent of the Republican caucus at the minimum. It needs to go back. I can’t see saddling the taxpayers of Georgia with a half billion dollar tax increase,” Stover said.
The plan raises the state excise tax on motor fuel by about 20 cents per gallon, while phasing out other state and local taxes. It’s aimed at fixing Georgia’s crumbling network of roads and bridges.
Stover says taxpayers are too exposed under the current plan. He wants to lower the proposed increase of the state excise tax and leave alone any locally imposed tax on motor fuel. He says House and Senate Republicans back the idea.
“I’m not just on the floor of the House of Representatives talking to them. I’ve talked to senators. Quite a few. And I know the temperature of that body. They’re not willing to raise taxes,” Stover said.
Republican leaders are now working on changes to the plan. They’re hoping to get a revised bill out of committee and onto the House floor by next week.
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