4/26/05-The Senate approved a transportation bill April 21 intended to fund much-needed road and bridgework in the state. The measure, which the House previously passed, must go through another round of talks in both chambers before heading to Gov. Brad Henry for the final OK.
The Republican-backed funding plan would shift $35 million in vehicle tag money the first year and $170 million after five years from the state’s general fund and earmark it for road repairs and maintenance for the next 15 years.
The state motor vehicle tax raises about $600 million a year, with 55 percent of it going for education and other spending. The remaining 45 percent goes to the general revenue fund for non-transportation needs.
Despite passage from the Senate, the measure – HB1218 – is headed for a House-Senate conference committee because Senate Democrats have their own idea for funding transportation projects.
For bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.

4/15/05-The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill April 6 that would fund much-needed road and bridgework in the state without raising taxes. The measure, which the House previously passed, now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
The Republican-backed funding plan would shift $35 million in vehicle tag money the first year and $170 million after five years from the state’s general fund and tag it for road repairs and maintenance for the next 15 years.
The state motor vehicle tax raises about $600 million a year, with 55 percent of it earmarked for education and other spending. The remaining 45 percent goes to the general revenue fund for non-transportation needs.
Despite passage from the panel, the measure – HB1218 – likely is destined for a House-Senate conference committee because Senate Democrats have their own idea for funding transportation projects.
For bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.

3/22/05-House lawmakers voted 95-5 March 16 to approve a bill that would fund much-needed road and bridgework in Oklahoma without raising taxes.
HB1218, sponsored by Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, would shift $35 million in vehicle tag money the first year and $170 million after five years from the state’s general fund and tag it for road repairs and maintenance.
The state motor vehicle tax raises about $600 million a year, with 55 percent of it earmarked for education and other spending. The remaining 45 percent goes to the general revenue fund for non-transportation needs.
The funding measure would direct the funds back to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
It has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.

3/10/05-The House Appropriations and Budget Committee voted 10-7 on March 9 to pass a bill that would shift $35 million in vehicle tag money the first year and $170 million after five years from the state’s general fund and tag it for road repairs and maintenance.
The state motor vehicle tax raises about $600 million a year, with 55 percent of it earmarked for education and other spending. The five-year transportation bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Newport, would not change that. The general revenue fund has been getting the remaining 45 percent.
The funding measure would direct the general revenue fund back to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
HB1218 has been sent to the full House for consideration.
For House bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.

3/8/05-The House Appropriations and Budget Committee is reviewing a bill that would redirect vehicle tag money from the state’s general fund and tag it for road repairs and maintenance.
The state motor vehicle tax raises about $600 million a year, with 55 percent of it earmarked for education and other spending. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, would not change that. The general revenue fund has been getting the remaining 45 percent.
HB1218 would shift $35 million of the tag fees to the Department of Transportation the first year, and cap at $170 million in five years.
For House bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.

1/18/05-Rep. Jim Newport, R-Ponca City, has filed legislation to redirect vehicle tag money from the state’s general fund and tag it for road repairs and maintenance.
The bill would take a portion of the tax collected from vehicle registration and tag fees to pay for roads and bridges.
About $300 million of that tax is earmarked for education and other spending. That would not change. The general revenue fund gets the other 50 percent, or about $300 million.
Under HB1218, $60 million of the tag fees would be shifted to the Department of Transportation the first year, $120 million the second year, and it would cap at $180 million.
Newport offered a similar bill last year but it never made it out of committee. He hopes the new Republican leadership in the Oklahoma Legislature will be more willing to listen this time around.
The bill is awaiting assignment to a committee.
For House bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.