Deal Starts Showing His Hand On Transportation Plan
Gov. Nathan Deal is starting to show his hand about a major transportation plan offered by Republican leaders in the Georgia House.
The proposal would generate about $1 billion annually in new revenue for roads and bridges. House leaders unveiled the plan last week, trumpeting the claim it doesn’t raise state taxes.
Critics, however, argue much of the new revenue comes at the expense of local governments. They say cities, counties, and school boards would likely have to raise taxes.
Gov. Nathan Deal, who has stayed mostly on the sidelines up until now, doesn’t seem particularly sympathetic. Here’s Deal about whether the plan is fair to local governments.
“Politics is always difficult. It’s difficult at the state level. It’s difficult at the local level, especially when you’re talking about raising revenue from the public,” said Deal.
He added he’s “generally supportive of the outlines” of the plan, but said many details still need to be worked out.
Deal appears split on other elements of the plan. He recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he favors a proposed $200 annual fee on electric cars, but has concerns about a $100 million, one-time bond package for transit. He suggested the bond package wouldn’t address the state’s long-term needs.
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