News Release

January 31, 2008

 

     The third week of this year’s legislative session saw House members begin subcommittee work. My standing committee assignments include Appropriations, Human Resources, State Government and Transportation. The research and study done on individual committee bills is a task taken up in subcommittees. This process is one of winnowing and refinement.

     Infrastructure funding is an important responsibility of state government. Last spring the legislature passed a bill establishing a new highway/bridge fund known as “Time 21” (Transportation Investment Moves the Economy in the 21st Century). The funding component of this new fund was left out of the bill and a special, interim study committee was established to research a possible funding mechanism that could generate $200 million for “Time 21”. The bi-partisan study committee of eight legislators, including myself came to an agreement that the full  legislature should consider the following formula as a means of generating the $200 million. The specifics of this proposal were first brought forward by the Associated General Contractors of Iowa, one of the state’s largest highway construction groups.

The recommended  Time 21 funding proposal would

·         Increase the gas tax by 4 cents with two “2 cent” increases phased in over two years.

·         Increase the registration fees charged for commercial/agricultural trucks, special trucks, and personal pickups.

·         Extend the phase out of registration fees by two years.

·         Make permanent the one time $3 surcharge on driver’s licenses which is currently being paid.

·         Increase trailer registration fees from $10 to $20 for smaller trailers, not exceeding 2,000 pounds. The fees for larger trailers exceeding 2,000 pounds would increase from $10 to $30.                               

·         Increase title fees from $10 to $20 and salvage title fees from $2 to $5.

Additionally, all weight and value vehicles will have these registration fees reduced by 5% in 2010 and an additional 5% in 2011.

     After this interim committee released its recommendation, the Governor rejected the idea of a fuel tax increase to help fund “Time 21”, effectively reducing by nearly one half the recommended $200 million goal. Without the small increase in the fuel tax the necessary level of funding cannot be achieved. Unless the Governor changes his mind I seriously doubt that “Time 21” will be funded.

     I enjoy having visitors from my district say “Hi!” while they are visiting the Statehouse. This past week there were FFA members and sponsors from the Coon Rapids-Bayard and East Sac community school districts who spent time at the Capitol. “Thank you!” to those who took the time to let me know your thoughts and opinions on the subject of a “smoking ban” in Iowa.

     You can email me at my legislative address at rod.roberts@legis.state.ia.us. or call me at (515) 281-3221.