Page 27 - Arkansas Trucking Report Volume 22 Issue 6

is steady in all regions, ranging from POLITICS (AND HIGHWAYS) money going toward roads, bridges
51-60 percent approval. ARE LOCAL and transportation; Grand Rapids,
“Being anti tax is kind of a Newhouse said he doesn’t think a Mich., extended an expiring millage to
platform position for Republicans,” tipping point has been reached yet that support mass transit; and Mahoning
Newhouse said. “For Republicans to be would cause wholesale political support Co., Ohio, extended an expiring sales
at least somewhat open to the idea of a of a fuel tax increase, at least at the tax to be used for the Western Reserve
fuel tax — and that’s why I thought this national level. But support is beginning Transit Authority.
survey was kind of interesting — it gave to manifest itself at local ballot boxes. Traditionally, taxes have hardly
us a couple different messaging leverage On Election Day, Nov. 7, a number been embraced by Americans, but if
points that might be used to pressure or of bond issues and new taxes were shown to serve their better interests,
convince Republicans.” approved and other taxes extended, as seen in the local elections and
The message, according to all with the intent of improving roads in Newhouse’s polling, voters are
Newhouse’s presentation, is that when or funding transportation projects, in displaying a willingness to vote for
voters know a federal gas tax increase different counties around the country. taxes and tax hikes.
means less government borrowing In Denver a $431 million “This is voters and the guys
and less debt burden on future gen- obligation bond for surface who make the decisions on this
erations, they convincingly agree with transportation was approved; in both are politicians, so there is a huge
it. Total support is 67 percent, with DeKalb Co. and Athens-Clarke Co., difference there,” Newhouse said. “I
73 percent of Democrats, 65 percent Ga., voters approved 1 percent sales don’t think we’ve reached the tipping
of Independents and 61 percent of taxes primarily for transportation point yet because I think Americans
Republicans more likely to back an and transportation-related projects; need to believe this is a crisis rather
increase. in Lawrence, Kan., a sales tax put than just a problem. …It’s going to be
“We’ve not seen it in the past,” toward mass transit was extended awhile before we get this done, but it’s
Newhouse said of the support. “In pre- and another approved for roads; a at least evidence we’re making progress
vious surveys done for ATA, voters were $105 million bond issuance in Maine on public opinion.” ATR
pretty closed to the idea of a gas tax.” was approved, with almost all the

Expertise you can count on no matter

what path your business takes

You set goals for where you want to take your business, and we will help you get there. Our team can support fleet
owners and transportation company leaders in Arkansas with tailored financial solutions to help your business grow.
Tap into our knowledge, experience, and broad offering of products to help put your company on the road to success.
Learn how we can work together to move your business forward.
Dave Modde • 314-909-1225 • david.p.modde@wellsfargo.com
wellsfargo.com/trucks
© 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. All transactions are subject to credit approval. Some restrictions may apply. Wells Fargo Equipment Finance is the trade name for certain equipment leasing
and finance businesses of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and its subsidiaries. IHA-4449403

ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 6 2017 27