Gilbert continues to lead on transportation funding

Statement by Hank Gilbert Regarding Testimony before the Joint Committee Hearing on Transportation and Funding Alternatives

“Today I’m at the Capitol to testify before the Joint Committee Hearing on Transportation and Funding Alternatives.

“I plan to speak about the transportation funding plan I released last fall, key points of which were endorsed by legislators and editorial boards from all over the state.

“I intend to tell the Committee that we can solve the transportation crisis in this state, in a fiscally responsible way, without having to sell off our roads to private and foreign companies or incur crushing debt. The Todd Staples sponsored HB 3588 got us into this mess and I’d like to help lead us out. Once again, I’m here and Todd Staples isn’t.

“Real reform is never easy, and in the case of TXDOT it’s proven to be especially difficult. Rick Perry’s TTC is in a coma because I put it there with help from a majority in the Legislature during the last Special Session. Now it’s time to kill it and protect us from abusive eminent domain practices. This is too important to leave to politics as usual. Texans just can’t afford to pay 20 cents a mile, lose their property rights or see free roads turned to tolls as they’re sold off. I hope my plan can provide some leadership where it is sorely lacking on this issue.”