27. HB 300 Motion to Instruct Conferees

Motion to Instruct Conferees; May 27, 2009 Record Vote #1373 (Journal Page 5067): 84 Yeas, 59 Nays, 2 PNV

YCT Yea. This vote was a motion to instruct conferees to retain the House Bill position on Local Option Taxes, which the Senate inserted into HB 300. The Local Option Provision would have opened the door for local governments to raise gas taxes and other transportation fees in order to fund transportation projects. With rising gas prices and a slowing economy, these tax proposals were ill advised. Additionally, the legislature should end State Highway Fund diversions, spend current transportation revenue more efficiently by only funding projects that reduce congestion and/or increase safety, and increase transparency by placing local government check registers online before a tax increase is considered.