The second week in review:
Transportation 101:
· Secretary Miller presented a transportation update to the House and Senate Transportation committees this week.
Governor’s Revenue Proposals:
· The House Tax committee began a hearing on HB 2475 , the Governor’s 1% sales tax increase proposal on Thursday. 13 proponents testified in favor of the measure, including Pat Hurley with Economic Lifelines. The legislation would raise additional revenue for transportation, approximately $329 Million for the first 5 years. Part of Hurley’s testimony was geared at urging the committee to pass a new transportation program that has been a proven engine for economic recovery in the past and would be a long-term solution to the continuing budget problems. The committee will hear from opponents to the measure next Tuesday.
· The Senate Tax committee introduced the Governor’s proposal on Wednesday.
The FY 2009 Rescission Bill:
· The Senate Ways and Means committee passed HB 2222 , the rescission bill, on to the full Senate without amendments that impacted KDOT or state employees. The rescission bill formally adopts the Governor’s transfers to the State General Fund from the State Highway Fund.
· The House Appropriations committee has held hearings on the same bill, HB 2416 , but has not taken action.
Text Ban Legislation:
· The House held a hearing this week on HB 2439 . Additional information on the hearing is posted under Thursday’s Text Ban Hearing blog.
The week ahead:
The Senate Judiciary committee will be holding a hearing on SB 351 which will prohibit texting while driving.
For all KDOT legislative testimony, follow this link: http://www.ksdot.org/IDMWS/kdot/11/legislative/testimony.asp?Year=2010