RICHMOND, VA -- The Virginia House of Delegates Committee on Finance voted Wednesday to advance House Bill 2313, the legislation for Governor Bob McDonnell’s long-term transportation funding plan, carried by House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Delegate Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax).

“I am very pleased the House Finance committee voted today to report with bipartisan support House Bill 2313, the legislation for Governor Bob McDonnell’s “Road to the Future” transportation plan,” said Speaker Howell. “With today’s vote, we are one step closer to delivering the long-term transportation fix that Virginians both want and deserve.

“Governor McDonnell’s plan will invest over $3.1 billion into Virginia’s transportation network by eliminating the gas tax and replacing it with a comprehensive funding proposal that solves both our short- and long-term transportation needs. It is an innovative plan that has the broad support of the business community, industry interest groups and the people of Virginia.

“And while today marks an important step, there is more work to be done. The legislative process is long and multifaceted. I appreciate the input and work of all members of the Committee and look forward to continuing to work on finding a solution. I am confident that at the end of the day we can pass a bill to address Virginia’s transportation needs.”

Delegate Tim Hugo applauded the ideas brought forth by others and said he looked forward to working on the final proposal.

“While I applaud my fellow delegates for putting forth alternative proposals, the reality is that the gas tax is a diminishing form of revenue,” said Hugo. “The Governor's proposal will eliminate the gas tax and replace it with a revenue neutral sales tax that will 'stop the bleeding' on the transportation trust fund. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to create jobs and improve our quality of life in Virginia.”

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