Virginia House Democrats

McDonnell Plan Criticized Widely as Being Dead on Arrival

Since announcing his transportation plan last week, Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has faced a steady stream of criticism from editorial boards, transportation experts, and even leaders from his own party.

One group that has been noticeably silent, however, are Republican House of Delegate candidates.

"Bob McDonnell's transportation plan has been widely recognized for what it truly is - a risky scheme that would pit roads and Virginia students against one another," said Delegate Ken Plum, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. "Even a number of Republican leaders have expressed concern. I think Republican House of Delegate candidates owe it to the voters to explain if they support McDonnell's plan to shortchange schools."

According to his own estimates, Bob McDonnell's transportation plan would drain at least $5.41 billion from education and other core priorities over ten years. According to McDonnell's transportation plan, he would "dedicate [a] percentage of new revenue growth over 3% (minimum 1%)...$1.5 B" to transportation, divert to transportation "0.30% of sales tax collected in NOVA...$1.05 B," take a "portion of growth generated by [the] Virginia port...$2 B," and devote "75% of [budget] surplus...$860 M" to transportation. By his own estimates, McDonnell would pay for his plan with at least $5.41 billion that would normally go the General Fund to pay for education and other core priorities. (McDonnell Transportation Plan, 7/21/09)

Here's what others are saying about Bob McDonnell's plan.

MCDONNELL'S TRANPORTATION PLAN: DEAD ON ARRIVAL

"Virginia's transportation problems are real...But Bob McDonnell's solutions are unreal" (Op-Ed, Dan Casey, Roanoke Times, 7/28/09)

Bob McDonnell's Transportation Plan Would Drain At Least $5.41 Billion From Education and Other Core Priorities Over Ten Years, By His Own Estimates. According to McDonnell's transportation plan, McDonnell would "dedicate [a] percentage of new revenue growth over 3% (minimum 1%)...$1.5 B" to transportation, divert to transportation "0.30% of sales tax collected in NOVA...$1.05 B," take a "portion of growth generated by [the] Virginia port...$2 B," and devote "75% of [budget] surplus...$860 M" to transportation. By his own estimates, McDonnell would pay for his plan with at least $5.41 billion that would normally go the General Fund to pay for education and other core priorities. (McDonnell Transportation Plan, 7/21/09)

McDonnell's Transportation Plan "Was Notable For What It Lacked: A Permanent New Source Of Money." The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "[McDonnell's] plan was notable for what it lacked: a permanent new source of money big enough to pay for the state's mounting transportation needs.... Much of that money represents existing state revenue that currently pays for other services." (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09, http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

McDonnell's Plan "Is Chock Full Of Specifics, But It's Those Details That Expose Exactly How Flawed And Futile His Policies Are." In an editorial, The Virginian-Pilot wrote: "Republican Bob McDonnell's plan...is chock full of specifics, but it's those details that expose exactly how flawed and futile his policies are. Many of the ideas in his 20-page plan ring familiar because they have been rejected multiple times by state lawmakers, and McDonnell has yet to explain how he plans to recycle these clunkers into a successful road plan -- or why this time he expects passage. Instead, he goes through a complex series of contortions to give the appearance he is generating new dollars for transportation without actually committing himself to the difficult task of raising those funds. Much of the money he promises to spend on roads comes from existing revenue sources now earmarked for schools, health care and law enforcement." (Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 7/28/09)

Former Republican State Senator Martin Williams

Republican Former State Senator Martin Williams Called McDonnell's Transportation Plan "A Disaster," Adding, It "Isn't Ever Going To Happen." The Washington Post reported: "'It's a disaster,' said Republican Martin E. Williams, a former state senator from Newport News and former chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, who decided to endorse Deeds last week after seeing McDonnell's plan. 'I hadn't made up my mind yet for Creigh, but then I saw that plan,' Williams said. 'You're not going to go in there and rob $5 billion out of the general fund over 10 years and think people are going to let that happen. What's the use of putting down a plan that isn't ever going to happen?'" (Washington Post, 7/29/09)

Former Republican State Senator Martin Williams Said McDonnell's Plan Would Take Dollars From Schools Instead Of Providing New Funding. The Washington Post reported: "As Virginia's candidates for governor battle for the state's political middle, Democratic state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds announced Wednesday that he has been endorsed by seven former Republican delegates and senators...The former lawmakers said they believed Deeds (Bath) was more likely to reach a bipartisan agreement on new funding for the state's troubled transportation network.... [Martin] Williams said he believed a transportation funding plan McDonnell announced Tuesday would take dollars from schools instead of providing new funding." (Washington Post, 7/23/09)

Robert Chase, Executive Director Of The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance

The Executive Director Of The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance Called McDonnell's Funding Plans "Downright Speculative" And Difficult To Pass. The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "Robert Chase, executive director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance...said every major funding source [McDonnell] proposed requires the approval of either the General Assembly or Congress, either of which would be difficult to gain. 'Some of the dollar amounts assigned to these are downright speculative,' he said." (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09,http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

State Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw

Richard Saslaw: "We're Not Going To Take Money From Public Schools And Higher Education And Human Services To Build Roads." The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "Similarly, McDonnell's proposal to divert a fraction of sales tax receipts collected in Northern Virginia to regional road projects would leave a $105 million annual hole in the state's budget that pays for schools, public safety and other core services. 'We're not going to take money from public schools and higher education and human services to build roads,' said Democrat Richard L. Saslaw, the majority leader of the state Senate. 'A 6-year-old kid could have come up with that plan. That's no plan. That's just simply taking money from the general fund.'" (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09,http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

Richard Saslaw: McDonnell's "Hoping He Can Find A Highway Contractor Who Will Pour Roads For Free, But It Ain't Going To Happen." The Virginian-Pilot reported: "Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax County, said McDonnell's plan to pay for roads without raising new money is unrealistic....'What Bob is hoping is he can find a highway contractor who will pour roads for free, but it ain't going to happen.'" (The Virginian-Pilot, 7/22/09)

Former Republican State Senator H. Russell Potts

Former Senator Potts Said He Is Adamantly Opposed To McDonnell's Plan. The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "Former state senator H. Russell Potts Jr., a Republican running as an independent then, strongly opposed privatization. He said Tuesday that he is adamantly opposed to McDonnell's plan. The board that oversees ABC has a long history of being filled with good appointees from both parties, he added, and private industry would invariably try to build stores near parks and residential areas. 'It would be a redux of a situation like in Maryland, where you can have a liquor store, for God's sake, on every corner,' he said. 'All you have to do is ride down Route 1 headed toward College Park and you'll see a perfect example of that.'" (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09,http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

Delegate Morgan Griffith

Delegate Morgan Griffith Opposes Privatizing ABC Stores. In an interview with the Roanoke Free Press, Delegate Morgan Griffith "expressed his opposition to privatizing Virginia's ABC stores. He does not want to see 'flashing signs saying alcohol here' all over Virginia expressing an opposite stance to Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell who's position was to privatize and use that funding for transportation."
(Roanoke Free Press, 7/27/09, http://www.roanokefreepress.com/?p=4687)

And More....

Washington Post: McDonnell Proposes Paying For Roads "Largely By Diverting Money From Schools And Other Priorities." The Washington Post reported: "Republican Robert F. McDonnell has said he won't raise taxes for roads but has proposed putting hundreds of millions toward the problem largely by diverting money from schools and other priorities." (Washington Post, 7/29/09)

Fairfax County Times: Money For McDonnell's Transportation Plan Comes Out Of Core Services Like Public Schools. An editorial in the Fairfax County Times stated: "For starters, a significant chunk of McDonnell's transportation money would come from the state's general fund, traditionally reserved to pay for core services such as public schools, higher education, health and public safety. While we understand the importance of addressing our transportation needs - we've editorialized countless times on the subject - it shouldn't be done on the backs of our schools and students." (Fairfax County Times, 7/28/09, http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/news/2009/jul/28/candidates-grapple-transit-problems/)

Virginian-Pilot Wrote That McDonnell's Transportation Plan Could Put Virginia's Triple A Bond Rating At Risk. In an editorial, The Virginian-Pilot wrote: "[McDonnell] promises to borrow $4 billion with the not-very-comforting assurance that 'every effort will be made' to avoid 'jeopardizing our triple A bond rating.' The Virginia Department of Transportation has been authorized by legislators to borrow money, but it can't because it doesn't have the money to pay interest on the debt." (Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 7/28/09)

McDonnell Would Fund Roads "Only At The Probable Expense Of The State's Colleges, Public Schools, Police Departments, Prisons And Health Programs." In an editorial, the Washington Post wrote: "Given that crisis in funding, and the centrality of transportation infrastructure to Virginia's economy, you'd think the candidates for governor would advance serious, plausible proposals -- and that they would include fresh revenue from new taxes or fees. Unfortunately, former attorney general Robert F. McDonnell, the Republican, is pushing a plan that mostly rules out such revenue and that would deliver significant new funds for road-building only at the probable expense of the state's colleges, public schools, police departments, prisons and health programs." (Editorial, Washington Post, 7/29/09)

McDonnell Would Use Tax Revenue For Transportation That Currently Goes To The State's General Operating Fund. The Roanoke Times reported, "McDonnell said he would look to use some tax revenue that now goes to the state's general operating fund for transportation. McDonnell said he would dedicate 75 percent of future surplus budget revenue to transportation. And when general fund revenue growth exceeds 3 percent, the first 1 percent of additional growth would go toward transportation, McDonnell said." (Roanoke Times, 7/22/09)

McDonnell Does Not Explain How He "Would Wring Out More Cash For Roads Without Harming Other Crucial State Functions And Services." In an editorial, the Washington Post wrote: "Unfortunately, the new revenue he identifies is one-time-only, many years distant or paltry. And he does not explain how, in the absence of credible, reliable new funding, he would wring out more cash for roads without harming other crucial state functions and services. For instance, Mr. McDonnell proposes borrowing $1 billion for projects in urban areas but does not say how he would find the tens of millions of dollars annually that he acknowledges would be required to pay off that debt. Mr. McDonnell says he would dedicate a portion of revenue growth and budget surpluses to transportation. Very nice, except Virginia is grappling with deep deficits. And if and when revenue growth returns, the state -- which needs 5 percent annual revenue growth just to keep even with inflation and population growth -- will need to replenish existing programs in education, health and public safety. (Editorial, Washington Post, 7/29/09)

Much Of McDonnell's Transportation Plan Has Been Tried Before And Easily Rejected. The Washington Post reported: "[McDonnell's] approach has been criticized as unrealistic -- much of it has been tried and easily rejected before, and his plan to toll some interstates counters federal law." (Washington Post, 7/29/09)

McDonnell Won't Identify Which Programs He Would Slash When He Diverts Tax Revenue To Roads. In an editorial, the Washington Post wrote: "Mr. McDonnell says he would take a chunk of Northern Virginia's sales tax revenue and divert it for roads. But again, he does not identify which programs he would slash to make that possible. After all, that money's not free -- it now goes to support other state functions." (Editorial, Washington Post, 7/29/09)

McDonnell's Transportation Funding Plan Has Been Described As "Booze, Borrowing, Tolls And BS." In an op-ed in the Roanoke Times, Dan Casey criticized McDonnell's proposals for funding transportation. He wrote: "I have looked over the McDonnell plan on his campaign Web site, www.bobmcdonnell.com. You should, too. What you'll find is a patchwork that's overloaded with complexity, chock full of wishful thinking and seriously flawed overall. It can best be summarized as 'Booze, borrowing, tolls and BS.'" (Op-Ed, Dan Casey, Roanoke Times, 7/28/09)

"McDonnell's Solutions Are Unreal." In an op-ed in the Roanoke Times, Dan Casey wrote, "VDOT closed 18 interstate rest stops last week, announced 600 layoffs Monday and forecast hundreds more later this year. Virginia's transportation problems are real, and Deeds should address them. But Bob McDonnell's solutions are unreal." (Op-Ed, Dan Casey, Roanoke Times, 7/28/09)

Richmond Times-Dispatch Columnist, Jeff Schapiro, Criticized McDonnell's Proposals For Funding Transportation. Following the release of Bob McDonnell's transportation plan, Jeff Schapiro wrote, "McDonnell, a committed anti-taxer, vows efficiencies in transportation and education - translation: cuts - and envisions paying for these services with royalties from offshore oil and gas exploration. Problem is: Wells, if there ever are any, probably won't be up and running until after McDonnell retires - voluntarily, involuntarily? - to his front stoop." (Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jeff Schapiro Column, 6/7/09)

In 2005, State Senator John Chichester Criticized Kilgore's Transportation Plan For Relying On General Fund Dollars, Just As McDonnell's Does. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported: "Senate Finance Committee Chairman John H. Chichester, R-Northumberland, said bankrolling roads with general fund dollars -- income and sales tax revenues that support education, law enforcement and human services - 'won't make a dent in our transportation problem.'...The Republican-controlled General Assembly included general funds in this year's transportation initiative. But Chichester and others -- moderate Republicans and Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, Kilgore's presumed Democratic opponent for governor -- have cautioned against making a habit of such appropriations. Chichester, one of two Senate Republicans who in February withheld endorsements of Kilgore, told the finance committee, 'It encourages a dependency that can't be sustained.'" (Richmond Times-Dispatch, 5/20/05)

PRIVATIZATION OF LIQUOR STORES

The "Centerpiece" Of McDonnell's Transportation Plan Has Been Explored In The Past, "But It Hasn't Gone Anywhere In The General Assembly." The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "The centerpiece of McDonnell's 24-page plan is the privatization of the state's ABC stores. A commission to study government efficiency that was chartered by then-Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) and chaired by former governor L. Douglas Wilder recommended in 2002 that the state explore such a move. But it hasn't gone anywhere in the General Assembly - in January, a state senate committee voted down a privatization proposal, 13 to 2." (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09, http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

McDonnell's Plan To Privatize Liquor Stores Was Rejected Just This Year. The Roanoke Times reported: "McDonnell said the state can generate at least $500 million for transportation by privatizing its liquor retail operation, an idea that lawmakers have rejected as recently as this year." (Roanoke Times, 7/22/09)

McDonnell's Plan To Privatize Liquor Stores Would Forfeit About $100 Million A Year Currently Going To Public Schools And Other Core Services. The Washington Post reported: "The centerpiece of McDonnell's proposal is to privatize the 300 state-run liquor stores -- a move that he said would generate about $500 million in one-time money that could be put toward transportation. But in selling the stores, critics said, Virginia would forfeit about $100 million in annual revenue now directed into the state's general fund, which pays for public schools, human services, prisons and other core services. McDonnell also proposed redirecting a portion of future growth in revenue from state port operations -- another raid, some said, of the general fund." (Washington Post, 7/29/09)

Both Kaine And Kilgore Opposed Privatization Of Liquor Stores In 2005. The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "In 2005, both major party candidates opposed privatization. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) said then that he wasn't convinced that it would generate increased tax revenue for the state relative to the increased costs of enforcing regulations at privately-owned locations." (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09, http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

McDonnell's Privatization Of Liquor Stores Would Remove Around $100 Million Annually From The General Fund. The Washington Post's Loudon County Extra reported: "For example, privatization of the liquor stores would generate at least $500 million in one-time payments to the state, plus income and property taxes over time, according to McDonnell. But about $100 million in annual earnings generated by the stores that goes to the state's general fund would be lost." (Loudon County Extra, Washington Post, 7/22/09, http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/jul/22/mcdonnell-roads-plan-privatizes-abc-stores/?virginia)

MCDONNELL OPPOSED THE STIMULUS, YET HIS TRANSPORTATION PLAN COUNTS ON IT

In July, McDonnell Reiterated His Opposition To The Stimulus Bill. The Roanoke Times reported, "During his speech to the Kiwanis, McDonnell described his economic, energy and transportation packages. He also said he would push back against an encroaching U.S. government and criticized a number of federal laws or proposals -- including No Child Left Behind and the stimulus bill -- that he said were unwieldy and created more problems than they solved." (The Roanoke Times, 7/23/09)

McDonnell Wants Congress To Allow $900 Million In Stimulus Spending Reserved For 2011 To Be Spent Now And Reallocated For Transportation. The Associated Press reported: "McDonnell says he also wants Congress to allow $900 million in stimulus cash reserved for 2011 to be spent in Virginia now, and to allow its use for transportation." (AP, 7/21/09,http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/V/VA_VIRGINIA_GOVERNOR_ROADS_VAOL-?SITE=VADAR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)

McDonnell's Transportation Plan Calls For An Advance -- And A Reallocation -- Of Stimulus Funds From The Federal Government. In an editorial, The Virginia-Pilot wrote: "And [McDonnell] says he will ask President Barack Obama to give Virginia an advance on future stimulus funding, a request that's likely to inspire incredulity in the White House, given the Republican's opposition to previous stimulus dollars for unemployed workers." (Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 7/28/09)

McDonnell's Proposal For Transportation Funding Hinges On Federal Action. The Virginian-Pilot reported: "Other anticipated transportation funds hinge on federal action. McDonnell wants permission to spend stimulus money programmed for other uses on roads, and he is counting on royalties from offshore energy drilling that hasn't yet been authorized." (The Virginian-Pilot, 7/22/09)

ROYALTIES FROM OIL AND NATURAL GAS DRILLING

McDonnell's Transportation Plan Counts On Money That Federal Authorities Have Not Committed To Virginia. In an editorial, The Virginian-Pilot wrote: "McDonnell counts royalties from offshore oil and natural gas drilling in his plan even though federal authorities have not committed to giving Virginia a share of those revenues." (Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 7/28/09)

McDonnell's Plan Counts On Revenue That Might Not Materialize. In an editorial, the Washington Post wrote: "Mr. McDonnell's other revenue ideas include tolling Interstates 95 and 85 at the North Carolina border and tapping future income from offshore drilling. But these would require federal approvals or major private investments that might not materialize. By Mr. McDonnell's estimate, the proposed tolls would generate only $50 million a year." (Editorial, Washington Post, 7/29/09)

HAS MCDONNELL FORGOTTEN WHERE HE CAME FROM?

Virginian-Pilot Wrote That McDonnell's Transportation Plan Abandons His Home Region Of Hampton Roads. In an editorial, The Virginian-Pilot wrote that "it is stunning to see how [McDonnell's] plan abandons his home region of Hampton Roads. The former Virginia Beach resident proposes to immediately give Northern Virginia a cut of existing sales tax revenues generated in that region. Hampton Roads, however, may not see a dime during a McDonnell administration. The Republican says he would give Hampton Roads a share of future tax revenues from port commerce, but cargo traffic is currently down 20 percent. McDonnell predicts earnings will be restored when an expansion of the Panama Canal opens in 2014, months after the next governor has left office. (Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 7/28/09)

McDonnell Says He's For High-Speed Rail To Hampton Roads, But He Reduces Rail Funding. In an editorial, The Virginian-Pilot wrote: "Finally, McDonnell says he favors higher-speed rail to Hampton Roads, but he plans to reduce rail funding earmarked in future bond issues and use the money for roads. Federal support for the passenger rail service is dependent on the state's ability to find more money for long-term operations, but McDonnell instead is back-tracking on prior commitments." (Editorial, The Virginian-Pilot, 7/28/09)

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