HARRISBURG – The state Senate Transportation Committee yesterday voted 13-1 to move the transportation funding bill (Senate Bill 1) to the full Senate for action, according to State Sen. John N. Wozniak (D-Johnstown), who voted for the measure.
The funding package would generate an estimated $1.7 billion in the first year and $2.5 billion by the fifth year to address Pennsylvania’s ailing transportation infrastructure system, including repairing roads, bridges, transit and other transportation modes.
The bill would uncap the tax paid by gasoline wholesalers over three years and raise a variety of vehicle fees including those for licenses and registrations, as well as add a $100 surcharge for certain moving violations.
“We are not doing this because we want to do it, we are doing it because we have to,” Wozniak said. “The last time there was an increase in Pennsylvania’s gas tax was 1997. Unfortunately, government is not immune to market forces, the cost of oil, asphalt, concrete and steel have risen, while our vehicles have become more efficient. We are at a crossroads and we must determine how we will move forward.”
Wozniak estimated that the $2.5 billion in funding would create approximately 67,000 jobs, boosting Pennsylvania’s ailing job creation efforts.
“There is no better stimulus package than enhancing our transportation system in Pennsylvania. It is for the improvement of our transportation system and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs,” Wozniak added. “This is not urban versus rural but rather an integrated interrelated system. It is incumbent upon us, as legislators, to make sure the public understands that this is a necessity that must be done.”
Wozniak added that while the passage of Senate Bill 1 out of the transportation committee is not the final step, he is pleased to finally see movement on the issue of transportation funding.
“I am very happy that we have had the opportunity to take the political courage and at least overcome political inertia to start this discussion,” Wozniak said. “There will be lots of compromises along the way, but ultimately we hope that this legislation will have Senate and House support, as well as the support of Gov. Tom Corbett.”