OOIDA Call to Action - Tennessee Members
April 27, 2007

Attention Tennessee truckers! Legislation on the move in the state House would allow tolling and privatization of Tennessee roads. Take time now to speak out against these revenue-generating schemes.

The proposed “Tennessee Tollway Act” would allow the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for toll projects. Private groups also would be allowed to build and operate the “pay-to-play” routes.

The House Transportation Committee voted 11-4 to approve the act Tuesday, April 24, that would allow tolls. An amendment added to the bill would limit the initial number of projects to two locations.

The sponsors Rep. Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, and Sen. Diane Black, R-Gallatin believe the act – also known as HB1204 – could be the best option to pay for vital projects.

Supporters of the toll plan cite a projected 10-percent cut in federal funding in the coming year. Among the issues causing uncertainty about available dollars are soaring construction costs.

Legislators need to realize tolls amount to an extra tax, when fuel and other taxes should cover road building. Those who oppose the Tollway Act say Bredesen should first consider repaying about $280 million diverted from the state’s road fund to other programs during his first term.

HB1204 – has been forwarded to the House Ways and Means Committee. Please take time now to contact committee members and speak out against privatizing and tolling our roads. Contact information for committee members is listed below.

Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, Chairman
Phone: (615) 741-1446
E-mail: rep.craig.fitzhugh@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Harry Tindell, Vice-Chairman
Phone: (615) 741-2031
E-mail: rep.harry.tindell@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Johnny Shaw
Phone: (615) 741-1446
E-mail: rep.johnny.shaw@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Joe Armstrong
Phone: (615) 741-0768
E-mail: rep.joe.armstrong@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Stratton Bone
Phone: (615) 741-2405
E-mail: rep.stratton.bone@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Rob Briley
Phone: (615) 741-2184
E-mail: rep.rob.briley@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Harry Brooks
Phone: (615) 741-6879
E-mail: rep.harry.brooks@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Tommie Brown
Phone: (615) 741-4374
E-mail: rep.tommie.brown@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Kent Coleman
Phone: (615) 741-6829
E-mail: rep.kent.coleman@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Charles Curtiss
Phone: (615) 741-1963
E-mail: rep.charles.curtiss@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Bill Dunn
Phone: (615) 741-1721
E-mail: rep.bill.dunn@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Lois DeBerry
Phone: (615) 741-3830
E-mail: rep.lois.deberry@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Michael Harrison
Phone: (615) 741-7480
E-mail: rep.mike.harrison@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Beth Harwell
Phone: (615) 741-0709
E-mail: rep.beth.harwell@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. John Hood
Phone: (615) 741-7849
E-mail: rep.john.hood@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Mark Maddox
Phone: (615) 741-7847
E-mail: rep.mark.maddox@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Steve McDaniel
Phone: (615) 741-0750
E-mail: rep.steve.mcdaniel@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Jason Mumpower
Phone: (615) 741-2050
E-mail: rep.jason.mumpower@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Larry Miller
Phone: (615) 741-4453
E-mail: rep.larry.miller@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Gary Odom
Phone: (615) 741-4410
E-mail: rep.gary.odom@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Doug Overbey
Phone: (615) 741-0981
E-mail: rep.doug.overbey@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Phillip Pinion
Phone: (615) 741-0718
E-mail: rep.phillip.pinion@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Randy Rinks
Phone: (615) 741-3743
E-mail: rep.randy.rinks@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Dennis Roach
Phone: (615) 532-8221
E-mail: rep.dennis.roach@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Charles Sargent
Phone: (615) 741-6808
E-mail: rep.charles.sargent@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Janis Sontany
Phone: (615) 741-6861
E-mail: rep.janis.sontany@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Nathan Vaughn
Phone: (615) 741-6867
E-mail: rep.nathan.vaughn@legislature.state.tn.us

Rep. Kent Williams
Phone: (615) 741-7450