Scott County, through our lobbyist, the Urban County Coalition, took the position in support of the 10 cent fuel tax increase.  I did not support this position, and am on record with our Board as opposing the bill.

The CAFE regulations for 2011-2025 predict a $1.7 trillion dollars in total savings to consumers as a result of the new fuel economy standards.  This means that revenue for the state will continue to decline, and a 10 cent increase is merely a short-term fix.

I needed to know that there were no areas of excess or programs that can use less dollars that would enable us to focus more dollars in the short-term, while practicing fiscal discipline to fund our roads and bridges at an adequate level for the long-term fix.