Senate Republicans Roads and Bridges Legislation Passes State Senate

On Monday the State Senate overwhelming passed a major piece of the Senate Republicans’ plan to improve funding for roads and bridges.

Senate Bill 1396, by Senator Brian Bingman, removes a 3% growth trigger on roads and bridges that has prevented increased transportation funding the past two years. It also redirects existing motor vehicle taxes from the general revenue fund to roads and bridges over a 5 year period.

“Fixing Oklahoma’s roads and bridges is a high priority for Senate Republicans. Senate Bill 1396 is a common sense way to increase funding without raising taxes by using more of our existing road taxes on roads. This is a concept, when polled, 81% Oklahomans support,” stated Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “The overwhelming bipartisan support of Senate Bill 1396 shows that the Senate is committed to protecting Oklahoma families by making our transportation system safer.”

Senate Republicans made roads and bridges a top priority in their 2008 Legislative Agenda.

In addition to Bingman’s bill, the Senate will soon consider Senate bill 1870 by Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher. Johnson’s bill also removes the 3% growth trigger on the funding for roads and bridges.

Bingman’s bill now heads to the House of Representatives.