State isn't ready for road funding issue

By the Journal Editorial Board | Wednesday, November 19, 2008

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Expect a piecemeal approach to solving the state’s highway funding dilemma in 2009. A state legislative panel that met over the summer to find ways to shore up the anticipated shortfall in highway dollars came up with few, if any, concrete recommendations.

The legislature, now, will be running head first into the highway funding issue with little direction from the panel.

That bodes poorly for the State Legislature and for the taxpayers who can now expect a shotgun approach to solving South Dakota’s many funding issues. The formula for this year’s highway funding could be something akin to — shoot it on the wall and see what sticks.

The legislative committee studying the estimated $72 million highway funding had its share of unknowns and obstacles.

For example, how the economy would effect travel and therefore gas tax revenue; how an increase in a gas, license or vehicle tax would effect the driving public; and, what the state would get in matching federal dollars.

Still, even in the face of uncertainties some specific agenda should have been forwarded for the 2009 State Legislature to review.

We hope the panel is thinking about what’s best for the state. We have said before that, if the state can explain the need to increase taxes or fees to pay for road projects, the people of South Dakota would be more than willing to listen.

We’re not seeing that, however. By failing to provide a real explanation of need and funding sources to address any need, we are left with a sour taste. We wonder if the failure to make concrete decisions represents the needs of the people or the politicians?

Rep. Jim Bradford, Pine Ridge, said, “Most of us are thinking, we put a tax on and we don’t go home and run again.”

Then don’t run again. But do what’s right for South Dakota and  offer some solutions for the supposed highway funding issues facing the state.

Highway funding will be one small piece of the funding puzzle legislators will be dealing with in Pierre. Education, insurance and health care all need funding and serious attention of state lawmakers.

In the final analysis, the committee charged with making some tough decisions and recommendations for the future of South Dakota roads made none at all either out of fear of the unknown or fear of reelection. Whichever it was will add to the  funding confusion sure to take place in Pierre.