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Rep. Hicks-Hudson Statement on Transportation Budget Passage
Says bill doesn't go far enough to
meet the needs of Ohioans, businesses amid economic recovery
Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson
(D-Toledo) issued a statement last week following the
passage of House Bill (HB) 74, the state's two-year
transportation budget. Democrats fought against the
governor's proposed cuts to public transit funding in the
bill, securing $193.7 million over the next two years,
double the governor's proposed investment. Despite the
increase, Democrats said the bill does not go far enough to
meet the needs of Ohio workers, businesses and the state's
economic recovery. Rep. Hicks-Hudson voted against the bill.
"While many call this a jobs
bill, it is not a true jobs bill for Toledoans who need
public transit to get to jobs. A simple amendment was
defeated which would have allowed local control and an
opportunity to expand TARTA's territory. I decided to stand
up for our community," said Rep. Hicks-Hudson.
Democrats secured several
other wins to improve the legislation, including:
* Ensuring fairness and
transparency of taxpayer dollars by requiring more highway
construction and maintenance projects are subject to
competitive bidding;
* Removing the
governor's proposed hikes in vehicle registration and other
fees to save Ohioans money;
* Securing funds for
public transit vouchers for victims of domestic violence who
need help getting to court, medical appointments and school.
Democrats offered a number
of amendments on the House floor Thursday, including an
amendment to invest an additional $13 million in public
transit funds in each of the next two years and other
amendments on motor fuel quality testing and tracking gas
tax collection data to see where and how funds are spent.
However, Republicans rejected each amendment.
After passing the House, the
transportation budget moves to the Senate for consideration.
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