After many, many months, the issue of paying for the SR-520 $1.4 billion shortfall is once again at a critical juncture.

I appreciate the seriousness of education funding but it is time to focus on the funding state transportation needs. Funding for education will follow. After all, a poor state transportation package will really negative implications for our education finance models.

The concern is the State Legislature will toll I-90 to pay for the SR-520 shortfall. A 41-8 bipartisan Senate vote passed a good transportation package (SB 5988) that is acceptable in terms of revenue sources, projects and reforms.

This package includes spending for highways, ferrys, transit, cities and counties, fish culverts, bike and pedestrian grants and the State Patrol. The primary mechanism to pay for these projects is with an 11.7 cents per gallon gas tax increase.

I endorse the Senate’s transportation proposal before the House and hope you will also. I am very supportive of the gas tax increase as the most efficient broad base user tax available to pay for major highway projects across the state. The gas tax is environmentally responsible because it directly and efficiently taxes that which produces carbon.

The 41st District is fortunate to have Representative Judy Clibborn as the Chair of the House Transportation Committee. I remain guardedly optimistic this package will progress through Rep. Clibborn’s committee substantially intact. It’s a good package for the State, the Region and the 41st District.

Email Rep. Clibborn at clibborn.judy@leg.wa.gov to register support for the bipartisan-supported Senate Transportation package.

Mike Cero

Mercer Island City Council