The Answer is Jobs
Over the weekend, I was asked an important question by a well-respected journalist. Candy Crowley asked me if our economy is improving, why is it necessary to consider revenue generating options (such as raising Maryland’s gasoline tax) to invest in our aging infrastructure.
In a word, the answer is jobs. To create jobs, a modern economy requires modern investments. That isn’t a Democratic or Republican idea, it’s an American idea; an historic and economic truth that we have proved out time and again as a people.
If we neglect to close our investment deficit in Maryland’s infrastructure, we end up paying in so many other ways. We pay in lost productivity; in rush hour traffic in some sections of 495 that are more parking lot than highway; in an immobilized workforce; in a damaged environment; and in a hindered ability to create jobs and attract new business and opportunity to Maryland.
To close this investment deficit we have to acknowledge 5 truths:
- The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding concluded that we need to make an additional investment of more than $800 million more a year in transportation. But the fact of the matter is that the current pace of our investments is not sufficient to meet those needs.
- A traditional flat tax on gasoline, by itself, actually becomes a declining revenue source when the new generation of cars and trucks that are being designed are built to use less and less gasoline.
- For decades, both the Greater Baltimore and Greater Washington regions have been underserved as far as our public transit needs go–that’s why we’re advancing the Purple Line and the Red Line. Neither of these projects is free.
- Five years ago, our State’s Transportation Authority was actually under-leveraged. No more. For the first time in our State’s history, five years ago, we decided together, to embark on the ICC and also the Section 100 widening of I-95 through Baltimore County at the same time.
- The recession knocked $2 billion out of our $10.5 billion transportation plan. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act that President Obama rightly advanced, restored 600 million. But at the end of the day, we still have $1.4 billion less than we had anticipated.
Whether we pay for our infrastructure or whether we pay in so many other ways, the choice is ours. In the coming months, we will begin a dialogue with the people of Maryland on how to move forward.
Ms. Latina Renee
8:41 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
The answer is Job! Yes, Bingo!!
mark
12:53 pm on Saturday, November 12, 2011
Governor, that dialogue can and should begin by telling the Maryland health commission to approve Washington Adventist Hospital's relocation to White Oak. It's an easy decision with the support of thousands of residents in the region. Don't let inside politics get in the way of a plan that will bring jobs and expanded health care to the region. Please tell us you agree Governor!
http://colesville.patch.com/articles/washington-adventist-hospital-move-essential-to-science-corridor-development-study-says
USA Forever
3:02 pm on Monday, November 14, 2011
I would like to understand were all the transportation funds that the state government was given by the US gas tax and what is was used. The federal government should not need to "simulate" Maryland transportation projects IF the current legislature controlled spending. The state is now going to impose a gas tax. If as item 2 above is true then why proceed!!!! The recession did not take $2 billion out of the plan, the current administration and legislative body in Annapolis did!
JustABill
10:03 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Governor O'Malley, perhaps you should spend a little (or a lot) less time out gallivanting around from one Sunday morning talk show to another week after week, after week, and a little (or a lot) more time actually doing your job. You were not elected into office to be a lobbyist for President Obama and the Democratic Party.
I find it ironic that one of your most frequently aired campaign ads was the one calling Governor Ehrlich's fee increases tax increases and yet while in office you have signed more fee and tax increases that directly affect poor, working, and middle income citizens of Maryland than any other Governor in my lifetime (over 4 decades). Now you have the gall to go on national TV and not only defend the President's failed policies but also try to sell the need for even more tax increases here in Maryland that will come directly out of the pockets of not just the rich or middle class, or even the working class, but every Maryland citizen regardless of their level of income or even lack thereof, and try to sell it to the people in the disguise of a "jobs plan." If you and the General Assembly had not raided (stolen from) the Transportation Trust Fund and used the billions of dollars already dedicated to state road and highway maintenance as well as new construction projects to balance the budgets from your unbridled spending there would be no need for more fees or taxes now. You seem to think the state slogan is "Welcome to Maryland! What's in your wallet?"