Kay's big move on transportation...

Kay coauthored an op-ed with Jeff Flake on keeping transportation tax dollars within the state (link). Excerpts follow...

To ensure interstate equity and allow states to most efficiently maintain and improve their highways, we have introduced the Highway Fairness and Reform Act of 2009. This bill would give states the choice to opt out of the federal highway program and instead be rebated federal fuel taxes collected within their borders. Our proposal would cut the overwhelming majority of attached federal strings but would require that rebated taxes be spent on surface transportation projects. This option would allow Texas, for example, finally to see its fair share of gas-tax dollars and would ensure that all of our funds could be directed toward improving transportation in high-growth areas of our states.

The Dallas Morning News says that her push faces long odds (link). Excerpt follows...

"It doesn't strike me as something that might be of real interest," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., chairman of a Senate subcommittee on surface transportation. "How do we unite if each state is carving out its piece regardless of how it connects to the airways, to the highways or otherwise?"

Hutchison said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat who chairs the full committee, would also be unlikely to support her legislation. West Virginia receives more than it sends to Washington, according to Federal Highway Administration data. Texas receives about 92 cents for each $1 in fuel taxes that it sends.

Kay's former staffer James Bernsen delivers some interesting commentary on the decision, calling it Kay's version of secession (link) and adding this graphic as well...


The Overhead Wire blog echoes Bernsen's feelings that this is Kay's version of secession (link). Excerpt follows...

While in theory it would keep money from places like Alaska, in practice the State DOT (read road building) would likely keep it all for itself. Personally, this smells of the same secession talk that Gov Hair discussed only a week ago.

Obviously there is something to this states' rights stuff. It has people fired up, and Kay wants in on the action.

The Dallas Morning News has an extensive blog on the subject as well (link), and the Austin American Statesman has another blog on the subject (link) that also agrees it may be a good idea but it is not likely to pass.