To address your main argument

To protect the transportation funding we need a lockbox. This has bipartisan support which includes the governor.
The 250 million could become part of the lockbox proposal

this takes us back to the other argument about the 250 million

I think we will have to agree to disagree on this point.

Here are two points from the Lt Gov and Attorney General

During the most recent two-year budget cycle alone, the General Assembly increased funding for K-12 education by 19%, funding for higher education by 22%, funding for public safety by 15%, funding for mental health by 21%, and funding for the Chesapeake Bay by a record 38%. Despite misleading sound bites to the contrary, Virginians know that spending for every core function of government has increased dramatically and is now at record levels.

First, the Chichester/Potts bill would increase the state gas tax by 10 cents a gallon. The people of Virginia do not support higher gas taxes. In addition, the bill raises the sales tax in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, even though voters in these regions of the state overwhelmingly rejected similar proposals in 2002. The voters expect their wishes to be honored, not ignored.

Second, the Committee’s refusal to use existing general fund revenues to help increase transportation funding is disappointing. State spending has increased significantly in the past few years, and we can transfer some of these revenues to transportation without jeopardizing funding for other government programs. This should be done before we ask the people of Virginia to pay higher taxes.
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Despite these differences there is plenty of room for negotiations and compromise. I trust you will contintue to work and build support for amendments that will make the bill more desireable in your view.

Thank you for your thoughts about the Republican transportation plan. I think I missed your bill for a transportation solution. What’s its bill number?