seal300dpi_0 When I was first elected to the Idaho State Senate in 2004, I pledged my commitment to creating new, good paying  jobs and opportunities in our great state and my eye has been fixed on that goal ever since. My first priority was ensuring enhancements to Idaho’s transportation system because expanding Idaho’s economy depends on reliable and well-maintained roads and bridges. As the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have been a champion of the Connecting Idaho program that continues to dramatically improve Idaho highways, and I believe more work is needed to restore and protect Idaho’s $16 billion highway asset.

I am committed to this effort because if Idaho wants to lead in the 21st Century economy, we have to act like leaders. If Idaho was a business and refused to invest in infrastructure improvements, we would become less competitive until we went out of business. Our state cannot afford further delays. Bold action is needed to drive the highway improvements that will ensure free-flowing commerce, not to mention meeting the growing safety needs of emergency responders and law enforcement.

My focus is to not only address our ailing highways and bridges, but to also bring accountability to the Idaho Transportation Department to ensure every penny invested produces a return for that investment. I sponsored an independent audit that was conducted in 2008.  The audit points out several opportunities for enhancing department administration, which could result in more than $19 million of one-time savings. But that still isn’t enough to address our highway backlog.

This session, you will see me advocate for resources to address this funding gap. Remember, fees have not increased since 1997 and the gas tax increase will cost the average Idahoan about $5 per month by the end of the plan.

These are difficult times, but also times of opportunity. I am committed to providing the leadership it will take to restore our transportation system and ready Idaho for a new century of thriving commerce and industry. Please continue to watch my Web site for frequent updates during the legislative session and sign up for my weekly newsletter.