T4America Blog

Statement in response to President Obama’s FY2016 budget for transportation

The Obama Administration Monday released a budget outline that envisions a six-year, $478 billion surface transportation authorization, paid for in part with a 14 percent tax on U.S. companies’ profits that are now parked overseas. It includes spending $94.7 billion in FY 2016 for roads, bridges, transit systems and freight networks, nearly double the current amount.

Transportation for America Director James Corless issued this statement in response:

“We are pleased to see the President present a more concrete proposal for how corporate tax reform could fund our nation’s infrastructure. It is especially encouraging to see a plan for a six-year program of investment, returning a measure of stability after the 32 short extensions over the last six years.

The President’s proposal joins those of the key transportation committees in Congress, who have made it clear they intend to address the long-term insolvency of our Highway Trust Fund this year. It is encouraging, indeed, to see the rising level of urgency. However, Congress and the Administration will have their work cut out for them to get a complicated deal done and avoid yet another short-term extension beyond May 31, prolonging instability for states and localities.

In his State of the Union address, President Obama expressed his desire to expand prosperity by helping our cities, towns and suburbs invest in infrastructure needed to improve their economies and quality of life. Communities across the country are struggling in the face of unstable resources to fix and expand roads, bridges and transit systems so that people can get to and keep their jobs and goods can get to market. We trust the President and congressional leaders will keep them in mind as negotiations continue this spring.”