According to a June 23 news release, Governor Butch Otter appointed a 15-member task force of legislators and private individuals composed of 13 men and 2 women, “to consider how best to modernize the user-pay fee system for financing maintenance and improvements to Idaho’s roads and bridges.”
More often than not I agree with Governor Otter but this past legislative session had to disagree with his road and bridge funding policies. Personally, I really like the Governor, but politically I am wondering what he is thinking these days and whom he represents with regard to this issue. For example, this past legislative session, he pushed hard for transportation projects to be funded by the sale of GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonds, and tax increases.
I believe that GARVEE bonds violate the spirit of the constitution. Article VIII, Section 3 of our state constitution prohibits long-term indebtedness without a vote of the people. The sale of GARVEE bonds allows the State of Idaho to spend money today that they hope the federal government will provide to the state in future years.
Above and beyond the questionable constitutionality of the GARVEE bonds is the fact that the current administration also pushed HARD to increase taxes at the worst possible time for citizens. With nearly one in ten people unemployed, now is NOT the time to be spending more money. To keep the plight of the people in mind when making such taxing and spending decisions goes a long way toward making better ones. Hopefully the task force will be mindful of that concept, as well.