Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Republicans issue details on "Pay As You Go" Infrastructure Proposal

As the California Legislature begins to discuss the details of the The Governor’s Infratstructure Bond, Assembly Republicans are putting forth the details on their own plan to meet California’s many infrastructure needs.

They believe their “Pay as You Go” plan will allow us to “Build More, Build Now and Spend Less”

The Assembly Republican Caucus issued the following press release this afternoon:

ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS UNVEIL
INFRASTRUCTURE REFORM PACKAGE

Proposals Will Enable California to Build More, Build Now, and Spend Less


SACRAMENTO – Building on their commitment to address California’s infrastructure challenges, Assembly Republicans today unveiled a package of common-sense reform legislation that will enable California to build more, build now, and spend less.

“These reforms provide the tools we need to get the job done,” said Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, of Bakersfield. “Republicans believe we must adopt the reforms needed to build a stronger California. Our proposals will stretch infrastructure dollars to the fullest, and eliminate the roadblocks that have hindered vital projects for far too long.”

The following reform proposals have been introduced recently by Assembly Republicans:

A Fiscally Responsible Way to Pay for Infrastructure Spending

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 27, by Assemblyman McCarthy, institutes a “pay as you go” approach for infrastructure, setting aside a portion of the state budget each year for critical projects like highways, levees, and water delivery systems – without raising taxes or incurring billions of dollars in unnecessary interest payments.

Protecting Proposition 42 Transportation Funds

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 4, by Assemblyman George Plescia, R-San Diego, eliminates the ability of the Legislature and the governor to raid gas tax revenue, protecting funding for streets and highways just as the voters demanded when they passed Proposition 42.

Assembly Bill 2028, by Assemblyman Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, states the intent of the Legislature to fully restore all funds in the 2007-08 budget that have been diverted from Proposition 42 projects in recent years.

Utilizing Design-Build Methods in Transportation Projects

Assembly Bill 2025, by Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Sacramento, authorizes the California Department of Transportation to utilize design-build methods when building transportation projects across California. With design-build projects, one single entity designs and constructs the project, reducing administrative costs, increasing flexibility and innovation in design and construction, while improving accountability.

Allowing School Districts to Invest More in the Classroom

Assembly Bill 2024, by Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Palm Desert, repeals Senate Bill 1419 of 2002, which makes it impossible for school and community college districts to save money through public-private partnerships. Under the proposal, local districts would be able to contract out for non-instructional services like bus transportation, facilities maintenance and cafeteria service – allowing them to invest more in the classroom.

Granting the Governor Additional Powers for Flood Emergencies

Assembly Bill 2029, by Assemblyman Mike Villines, R-Clovis, gives the governor the authority to declare a state of emergency when federal or state flood control officials proclaim an area of the state is in danger of an imminent levee breach or flood threat.

Preserving Our Environment While Protecting Health and Safety

Assembly Bill 2026, by Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, requires state officials to reexamine the standards for maintenance and operation of levees in the state, giving the highest consideration to protecting the health and safety of Californians, while respecting environmental protections.

Assembly Bill 2027, by Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, eliminates a key hurdle for stronger flood control efforts by suspending the requirement that “no net loss” of wildlife habitat may take place due to such projects


Craig DeLuz

Visit The Home of Uncommon Sense...
www.craigdeluz.com

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