The so-called “Get Georgia Moving” coalition is an organization of special interests that want a new transportation tax for Georgia. It is potentially the largest tax increase in state history, allegedly to pay for projects they claim will bring businesses to Georgia.
Jason Pye, Libertarian Party of Georgia’s Legislative Director, said increasing taxes is never a wise economic policy — especially during a recession.
According to Pye, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has a history of mismanagement and waste, and it has been used by Georgia politicians as their own piggy bank to fund their special interest projects.
“We do not need a new tax, we need real reform, and that starts with ending the bureaucratic mess that is costing Georgia taxpayers,” said Pye.
“One year has gone by since Gov. Sonny Perdue told legislative leaders that GDOT needed time to get itself in order before he could justify increased funding. One year is not enough time to get GDOT in order, especially given all the controversy surrounding both its methods and leadership,” Pye contends.
Libertarians believe cost-benefit analysis and prioritization of transportation projects are key before moving forward with any project. Only then does it make sense to consider mass transit, as well as toll roads and other means of private funding. Projects like the 91 Express Lanes in Orange County, California have been tremendously successful and bring to transportation a market-based approach that is both cost-effective and reasonable.
“Libertarians reject the concept that we can tax ourselves into prosperity,” said Pye.
