Good Work In DC

I have survived the 2009 Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) lobby trip, getting back to our Great Lakes State late last night and can finally share with you some of the great work that we did in our nation's capital.  We were fortunate this year to have State Representatives Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) and Lee Gonzales (D-Flint) joining us this year.

I can tell you that many members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation was open to our requests that we need to have the next federal transportation funding bill and program to provide Michigan's fair share.  However, I want to highlight two members in partcular.  Tuesday afternoon, we met with Congressman Dale Kildee (D-Flint) and we asked him what his thoughts were on increasing federal funds for transportation.  He said: "I've been in elected office for 44 years and during that time I've never voted against any gas tax increase that crossed my desk ... and you know what?  I'm still here!"

Now, if we can only get this courage to the other members of the Congress!!!

We finished our day with Congressman Dave Camp (R-Midland) and for me, this was the meeting of the day.  Camp has said before that he understands the need for Michigan's equity and he wants to see that - especially if it completes the US-127 interstate from St. John's to Ithaca.  He however is hesitant to push for that if it includes a tax increase.

During our meeting however, he said "I'm still hesitant to vote for a bill that has a gas tax increase.  But I'd need to read the bill first and if that bill brings equity to Michigan and brings important things to Michigan - I'd be there!"

That, my friends, is a very very good sign that our delegation is getting engaged for us on transportation equity for Michigan.  It's always good to visit our nation's capital ... but it's even better when our Members of Congress are working to get things done for us.