If there was ever a reminder that elections matter to Ohio’s transportation construction industry, the events in the last several weeks were a big indication.
With gasoline and diesel prices rising sharply, both candidates for governor unexpectedly called for a temporary suspension of the state’s motor-fuel tax of 38.5 cents per gallon for gasoline and 47 cents/gallon for diesel. And within days, members of the Ohio General Assembly returned to Columbus from their extended summer recess to act on just that.
For OCA, we have routinely opposed such revenue pauses as those funds are the backbone of state and local transportation spending. Ohio’s motor-fuel tax is not simply another source of state revenue. It provides critical funding for the Ohio Department of Transportation as well as counties, municipalities and townships to build, maintain and repair roads and bridges.
OCA understood and was sympathetic to the desire to provide Ohioans with some relief at the pump. Our priority throughout the discussion was to make sure that relief did not come at the expense of Ohio’s transportation program.
That concern stemmed from early discussions of the tax suspension that suggested ODOT could absorb the cost through “surplus” funds. OCA strongly pushed back on that idea. ODOT does not have hundreds of millions of dollars sitting unused. While ODOT may have a significant “cash balance,” that amount pales in comparison to the amount of outstanding obligations ODOT has. The latest information shared by ODOT was that they had $1.5 billion in cash and a little more than $5 billion in outstanding contracts and other obligations.
While it took some considerable convincing and a strong position from Gov. Mike DeWine, ultimately, lawmakers decided to protect and fund transportation programs without interruption.
The legislation approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. DeWine suspends Ohio’s motor-fuel taxes for 90 days (October 4-January 2) while providing $725 million in replacement funding. The replacement dollars come from General Revenue funds, allowing state and local transportation programs to remain whole.
OCA was actively engaged throughout the process. We communicated with legislative leaders, kept members informed and testified before the Senate General Government Committee to make clear that no transportation project should be delayed or disrupted because of the suspension.
This episode also offers a larger lesson for our industry.
Transportation funding became an issue in the race for Ohio governor almost overnight. A revenue source the industry relies upon every day was suddenly at the center of a statewide political debate. Fortunately, the final result did not impact transportation investment. But it is a reminder of how quickly public policy – and the political environment surrounding it – can affect our members, their employees and the work they perform.
This November, Ohioans will elect a new governor, members of the Ohio House and part of the Ohio Senate, along with a United States Senator and every member of Ohio’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives. The people elected to those positions will make decisions about transportation funding, workforce issues, economic development and many other policies that directly affect Ohio’s construction industry.
Regardless of party or candidate, OCA members should understand what is at stake, learn where the candidates stand on issues important to our industry – and most importantly, vote.
Early voting began October 6, and Election Day is November 3. Take a few minutes now to make your voting plan:
- Check your voter registration and find your Election Day polling location, which can be found at the Ohio Secretary of State Voter Lookup website at: https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx
- Find your early voting location and hours, which can also be found at the Ohio Secretary of State website, at: https://www.ohiosos.gov/directories/early-voting-locations
The events of the past few weeks demonstrated just how closely elections, public policy and transportation funding are connected. Our industry has a significant stake in the decisions made at the Statehouse. Make sure your voice is part of the process