Transportation Compromise Looks Unlikely

State House and Senate lawmakers have just one day left to come up with a transportation compromise. But talks between both chambers appear to be grinding to a halt.

Lawmakers seem to be unable to move from their positions. House negotiators in a transportation conference committee say a penny sales tax for transportation should be paid by all Georgians – because it would bring in more money.

Representative Vance Smith:

“I say let’s crank this engine and move the whole state forward.”

But senators, including Jeff Mullis, say there is no way the Senate would ever support a statewide penny sales tax. It wants regions to decide whether to tax themselves for their transportation needs.

"I've told you from day one - I've told everybody from day one. And I don't know if I'm being heard. Is anybody hearing me? Can anybody hear me today? Well I'm telling you the facts. We will not pass a statewide in the Senate."

House leaders have put forth a plan that would let voters decide if they want a statewide approach. If that vote fails, then the Senate's regional plan would take effect.

But Senate leaders are sticking to their guns and want nothing "bigger" than a regional approach.