Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement following passage of transportation funding legislation (HB 2313) by the Senate of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Today's vote by the Senate is another step in creating a final plan for addressing Virginia's transportation challenges on a long-term basis. It is now time for both bodies of the General Assembly to work together in conference and agree upon a fiscally responsible plan that will pass with bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate, and which I can sign into law.
Achieving our collective goal will require finding common ground. That common ground must include a significant commitment of the projected future growth in general fund revenues, greater reliance on sustainable revenue sources which grow with economic activity, as opposed to gasoline tax increases, and sufficient revenues to address maintenance crossover, construction, passenger rail, and transit needs without over burdening our citizens and businesses with taxes.
By nearly a two-to-one margin, Virginians support addressing transportation in a fiscally responsible manner that relies on growth sources rather than increased taxes. I am ready to work with my colleagues in both parties and both bodies of the General Assembly to deliver such a plan. We must act now. We must pass a plan this session. To do so will ensure Virginia remains the top state in which to live, work, and raise a family. This is our opportunity to put in place the sustainable, long term transportation funding plan that our Commonwealth has needed for decades. I know we can get it done."