Elway poll shows limited appetite for new transportation funding – the search continues
A new Elway Poll underscores the challenge facing legislators and the broad coalition working to fund essential transportation improvements in the state. The Seattle Times reports: A Stuart Elway poll of 412 registered voters found that 72 percent oppose a higher gas tax and 62 percent oppose an increase in the car tab. The poll has a margin […]
February 22 , 2013 - Emily Makings
The details of the House transportation package proposal
A new “Connecting Washington” transportation package was released this week by state Rep. Judy Clibborn and others. According to the project overview, it would “raise nearly $10 billion for Washington’s transportation system.” The package has been introduced in the House as HB 1954, 1955, 1956 and 1957.
December 18 , 2012 - Richard S. Davis
Gov. Gregoire proposes new taxes in final budget release
Gov. Chris Gregoire offered her final biennial budget proposal this morning. In addition to required “current revenues” proposal – one that doesn’t rely on new taxes – she presents a plan to make the billion-dollar downpayment on the increased public school funding required by the state Supreme Court’s McCleary decision. From the governor’s press release: […]
September 30 , 2011 - Emily Makings
New Brief: I-1125: Jamming Transportation Planning
We have a new brief today on Initiative 1125, which would affect tolling and transportation policy in Washington. The initiative would forbid the transfer of revenues in the motor vehicle fund or any toll fund to the general fund; require that lanes funded by the gas tax or tolls be used for highway purposes; require […]
March 21 , 2011 - Emily Makings
The Transportation Budget and the Gas Tax
Today the House released its 2011-13 transportation budget proposal. It would appropriate $8.924 billion for transportation operations and capital needs. That’s $1.8 million more than the governor proposed spending. Of note, from the summary: Transportation revenue sources have continued to grow more slowly than expected, with projected revenues for the 2011-13 biennium $100 million less […]