Rep. Robinson statement on transportation budget passage

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) issued a statement following the passage of House Bill (HB) 74, the state’s two-year transportation budget. Democrats fought against the governor’s proposed cuts to public transit funding in the bill, securing $193.7 million over the next two years, double the governor’s proposed investment. Rep. Robinson voted in favor of the bill, which now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“Investing in public transportation is investing in Ohio. Inadequate transit funding makes it harder for people to get to work, go to school, and make a living, putting the Ohio promise of the American dream out of reach for too many Ohioans. 

I’m glad we could reduce the impact of the governor’s cuts and pass a budget that better supports transit. Democrats and I will continue to push for transit funding that meets our needs to expand access, grow opportunity, and kick start our economic recovery,” said Rep. Robinson.

Other key Democratic wins in the transportation budget include:

·         Ensuring fairness and transparency of taxpayer dollars by requiring more highway construction and maintenance projects are subject to competitive bidding;

·         Removing the governor’s proposed hikes in vehicle registration and other fees to save Ohioans money;

·         Securing funds for public transit vouchers for victims of domestic violence who need help getting to court, medical appointments and school.

Democrats offered a number of amendments on the House floor Thursday, including an amendment to invest an additional $13 million in public transit funds in each of the next two years and other amendments on motor fuel quality testing and tracking gas tax collection data to see where and how funds are spent. However, Republicans rejected each amendment. 

After passing the House, the transportation budget moves to the Senate for consideration.