Senate Advances Its Version Of Road Funding Compromise

INDIANAPOLIS -- Senate lawmakers Tuesday advanced their compromise on the ongoing road funding debate, which involves the creation of a new task force. 

The Senate’s version of the road funding bill does not raise any taxes, unlike its House counterpart.  Instead, it would spend down the state’s surplus and give local governments more freedom to raise or create road funding taxes. It would also create a new task force comprised of lawmakers and state and local officials.

Republican Sen. Luke Kenley says the task force will focus on transportation infrastructure needs and develop long-term funding solutions.

“We plan to look first to existing revenues and other alternatives before we consider tax increases,” Kenley said.

But Democratic Sen. Karen Tallian says she can’t support the Senate GOP’s proposal as long as it fails to enact long term solutions.

“Our roads are still in D+ status and we continue to study the situation,” she said.

The Senate approved the bill 39-11. The issue will go to a conference committee.