Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Traffic congestion threatens our economy and our quality of life. As the parent of three children, I know the frustration of being late for that important recital or evening sports practice. I have consistently supported common-sense measures to provide much needed transportation funding for the Northern Virginia region. This year, I supported the comprehensive transportation package that passed the General Assembly on a bi-partisan basis. While this wasn't a perfect package, it will result in substantial new revenue that will go toward our region's most pressing and aggravating problems, including regional projects like the I-66 corridor and local bottlenecks. Overall, the package will generate about $800 million annually state-wide, including $200 million that will be dedicated to transit, and an additional $300 million annually to be used here in Northern Virginia for local and regional priorities. For additional details, click here.

In addition, I will continue to advocate for changes in the way that transportation funding is distributed to make it more equitable for Northern Virginia. I spearheaded efforts to change the transportation maintenance formula (HBs 389, 6011, 1993, 1491, and 477) and in 2013 co-patroned legislation to provide Northern Virginia with more representation on the Commonwealth Transportation Board (HB 864). Getting our fair share will continue to be one of my top priorities.

Additional priorities include:

*Repeal the punitive "hybrid tax" that was enacted with the transportation bill in 2013.
*Increase our investment in transportation technology, including telework, "smart highways," and better synchronization of our traffic lights.
*Help get people out of their cars by making strategic investments in bike paths and walking trails.
*Continue to expand transit options and adequately fund the Virginia Railway Express and Metro.
*Enact a constitutional amendment to create a transportation trust fund "lock box" that will ensure revenue dedicated to transportation is not diverted for other purposes.

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