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House Republicans Celebrate Long-term Solution to Highway Funding
Republican Amendment Adopted to Fund Transportation Infrastructure is Historic
AUGUSTA ? Maine House Republicans are pleased that their long-term solution to some of the funding issues plaguing Maine?s roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure has been signed by Governor Mills. The signing of LD 259, with a key Republican funding amendment, follows overwhelming support from Maine?s House and Senate. ?
?Today was an important step toward long term, stable funding for Maine?s roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure,? said House Republican Committee Lead Wayne Parry (R-Arundel). ?This has been a top priority of mine and my fellow Republicans for years. I proposed a similar funding solution over a decade ago. Our committee came together to craft a proposal that was accepted by both parties in the House and Senate, then supported by the Governor.? ?
?Maine is the largest state in New England with a limited, overtaxed citizenry and a chronic road funding problem,? said Austin Theriault (R- Fort Kent). ?Everyday life moves on Maine roads. I want to thank the 3 Democrat members of the committee for joining Republicans on the Majority Report. Their support was crucial in getting Democrat buy-in to our long term solution.?
KEY PROVISIONS OF NEW LAW:
The new law creates a sustainable source of funding for the Highway Fund by dedicating 40 percent of the 5.5 percent sales tax on vehicle purchases and 40 percent of sales and use taxes collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It is expected to generate more than $200 million for infrastructure repair per biennium.
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