Georgia Legislative Watch

GDOT Commissioner Gena Evans appeared before appropriators today and asked them to raise taxes and provide other help to the agency she oversees:

Georgia Transportation Commissioner Gena Abraham pleaded with state lawmakers for additional money to help close her department’s budget hole.

But one legislator questioned why she hasn’t furloughed staff – as other state agencies have done – to cuts costs.

State Rep. Jay Neal asked Thursday why DOT was slashing road money and not placing “any of the burden on the employees.”

Abraham said the DOT board was considering additional cost-cutting measures.

Meanwhile, she asked lawmakers to consider moving the 1 cent of the state motor fuel tax that goes into the general fund into transportation. She also wants the general fund to absorb debt on transportation bonds.

Abraham’s testimony came on the second day of budget hearings at the state Capitol.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has a perceived long term funding shortfall of $100 billion. A regional transportation sales tax failed in the final minutes of the 2008 legislative session. Both the regional tax (SB 39/SR 44) and a statewide tax (not yet introduced) are on the table this year, though it may be next year before any action is taken.

[UPDATE] The AJC has more information about today’s hearing.