State senators are no longer pushing to make a temporary state sales tax permanent to fund highway transportation projects, instead, the Senate approved a bill to take revenue from vehicle sales taxes and spend it on roads. Port Allen Senator Rick Ward says it would result in 375-million dollars in additional dollars for infrastructure.
“Really hope we can get this across the finish line, I do think if we do it will be one of the most impactful things we’ve all worked on together during this term,” said Ward.
The measure heads to the House for their review and there are only three days left in the session. Currently, money from vehicle sales taxes goes into the general fund, but Ward’s proposal would use 75-percent of that money on roads and bridges.
“No raising of taxes, no extension of existing taxes, just a simple funds shift bill that moves funds from the general fund to the construction sub fund,” said Ward.
But if lawmakers take money away from the general fund that would mean fewer dollars, for higher education, health care and public safety programs. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt still supports the effort.
“We are using things that transportation related to fund transportation projects, so that feels right to me,” said Hewitt.
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