Conventional Wisdom Redefined by Poll Results

One of the obstacles to solving Pennsylvania's highway funding problem has been the belief that, while everyone understands there's a problem, no one is willing to pay for the solution. Results from a public opinion survey last week, however, show that a strong majority of likely voters are willing to pay at least $8 per month to repair and improve state highways. Additionally, 78 percent now support increasing state funding for that purpose, up 14 points from when the question was asked last June. Specifically, respondents were asked: "What additional amount would you be willing to pay per month in order to repair and expand the state's highway system? An additional $8, $15, $20, or no amount, because we do not need to repair or expand the highway system in Pennsylvania." In a significant blow to the conventional wisdom, 56 percent said they were willing to pay at least an additional $8 per month. Of that 56 percent, 11 percent said they would pay an additional $15, and 6 percent said they would pay an additional $20. "It seems the reason we haven't been able to develop a consensus on solving the problem is because the discussion has focused on specific funding elements rather than a comprehensive solution," said PHIA President Ron Drnevich. "If you set aside the specific elements and go to the total cost, you find strong support for a solution that would limit the cost to an additional $8 per month. Once we know that, how that money is raised becomes secondary." Mr. Drnevich noted that the highway construction industry last April proposed a combination of tolling, higher gasoline taxes and increased license and registration fees that would have cost a typical motorist about $8 per month. "We finally seem to have discovered a way to have a productive conversation about solving this problem," he said. "If we come up with a comprehensive solution, that limits the cost to individuals, and which distributes the cost equitably rather than placing an unfair burden on any region or group of motorists, the public will support it."

For more information on this topic or other transportation issues, call PHIA at (717) 236-6021, or e-mail jwagner@paconstructors.org Missed an E-Motion? Past issues are now online. Go Here