Transportation Funding Bill Vote Could Come Soon

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - All weekend the House ironed out the details included in Gov, Tom Corbett's proposed transportation package and a vote could be in the very near future.

The bill includes new funding for roads, bridges, mass transit and bike trails, but neither the Democrats or Republicans have been able to come to an agreement. The Republicans are looking for less of a burden on taxpayers and are against raising taxes. The Democrats want to tax the people more to pay for the public transportation.

The House members spent the weekend debating on the $2.2 to $2.4 billion dollar package. Now, they will be in Harrisburg on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but after that, they won't return to the Capitol until Nov. 12.

State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe  for the 12th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives serves as the Republican Majority Chairman of the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee. He believes there are many other ways to bring in money for funding other than increasing taxes.

"The state collects enough in taxes. There are other ways the state could bring in funding other ways," said Metcalfe. "We could reduce the welfare budget, sell the liquor stores or lease land for drilling and use the royalties."

Metcalfe stresses to all residents to contact their legislators and talk to them about how they feel about this package funding. He adds that if this proposed package goes through, there will be a .28 cents per gallon increase at the pump.

"I've driven passed construction sites and witnessed men standing around with their hands in their pockets while one man is working," said Metcalfe.

He stresses that the people of Pennsylvania need to be the ones to make the decision about where this funding should come from.

Mike Pintek is live weekdays noon to 3 p.m.on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA!