Senators Randi Becker and Steve O'Ban spoke this morning at the Regional Access Mobility Partnership (RAMP) about the prospects of a transportation revenue package.

Senator Becker outlined what was important for her in terms of what should be in a Senate package: "I have three issues that are important to me. The first is SR-167 and I am going to continue to push for full build-out."

The project is important not only to her, but folks from throughout the state. "It (SR-167) was not a difficult sell," to other members of the Majority Caucus Coalition, said Senator O'Ban. "There is not doubt that it is a pro-growth, pro-jobs project. This is not an ordinary public works project. It is vital to the economic well-being of the region and the state"

While there is widespread support for the completion of State Route 167, the question is whether we as a state are willing to pay for it and other critical investments. Senator O'Ban reflected on this question: "Voters view a gas tax as different from a sales tax. They see a greater connection between what this funds and their daily lives."

The two senators also discussed the need for policy reforms. O'Ban identified three priorities:

• Accelerating the permitting process
• Sales tax to on transportation projects being reinvested in the transportation budget instead of the general fund; and
• Improved transparency and accountability.