The Texas Legislature plans to ask voters to divert money from the state’s rainy day fund for transportation purposes, the Associated Press reports.
The measure, which the Legislature is expected to approve, would be added as an amendment to the state’s November ballot. If passed, the measure would free $800 million per year for roads and bridges.
Still, the $800 million represents only about 20 percent of Texas’ annual transportation needs, experts say.
According to the Associated Press, the $800 million legislators want to secure for transportation is currently being generated in gas taxes, yet put to use in public schools. The legislation would divert another $800 million per year in natural gas and oil taxes to make up for the loss in public school funds.
“When we go to the gas pump, not all of the taxes we pay for gas tax goes to roads. … What we are saying it that all of the gas tax should go to roads,” says Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso), according to the Associated Press.
