An AAA Mid-Atlantic poll shows 71 percent of Delaware drivers support a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting raids on the Transportation Trust Fund in balancing the budget. Under the proposed amendment, money raised through the state gas tax, motor vehicle registration fees, document fees, and road use tax could only be used for roads, bridges, and other transportation-related expenditures.
In the event of a fiscal emergency or other situation, 75 percent of legislators would have to vote to allow the diversion of funds.
The first leg of the proposed amendment was passed by the 148th General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support, 21 State Senators voted unanimously in favor of the amendment, and 38 State Representatives voted in favor with two absent and only one opposed.
The second leg of the amendment is Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Sen. Greg Lavelle. Senate Bill 20 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday morning.
AAA commissioned a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling, which surveyed 999 licensed Delaware drivers.
According to the poll, 71 percent of Delaware drivers “support a proposed Constitutional Amendment in Delaware to ensure the gas tax revenue is dedicated solely to fund roads, bridges, and other transportation projects” – 13 percent said they did not support the amendment, and 15 percent said they were not sure.
“This legislation represents both common sense and good government,” said Jim Lardear, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Just last year, our neighbors in New Jersey passed a similar constitutional amendment to protect their Transportation Trust Fund following the largest gas tax increase in the country.”
New Jersey had among the lowest gas taxes in the nation. However, its roads were also rated as among the worst and the fund ran out of money last year.
Under the proposed amendment, Delaware legislators could still allocate money from the Transportation Trust Fund for other purposes if the need arises through legislation that would need the agreement of three-fourths of the House and Senate.
“AAA fully supports Senate Bill 20 and urges the members of the 149thGeneral Assembly to pass this measure to ensure funds raised through transportation taxes and fees are used only for our roads, bridges, and transportation needs,” said Lardear.
