Rebuilding America
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-08-08/rebuilding-america
President Obama called for renewed efforts in nation-building recently -- not in Afghanistan or Iraq – but here, at home, in America. The president was referring to the state of the country's aging and in many cases, poorly maintained infrastructure. More than a quarter of the country's bridges need significant repairs. Over four thousand dams are considered "unsafe". A billion gallons of water is lost every year due to leaking pipes. Nearly everyone agrees that more spending on infrastructure is needed, the billion dollar question is -- how are we going to pay for it.
Guests
Tyler Duvall
infrastructure-strategy consultant with McKinsey and Company
Jack Basso
director, program finance and management,
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO)
Gov. Ed Rendell
Building America’s Future Co-Chair, and former Pennsylvania governor
Maureen McAvey
Executive Vice President, Urban Land Institute
Rep. John Mica (R-FL)
Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Comments
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Amen!!! (great show, Diane!)
I keep hearing the term "wake-up call," not only today but on several other issues. The current congress has not responded to repeated "wake-up calls" on any of these issues. This indicates that they are not asleep, but rather drunk and/or drugged. Drunk on power. Drugged by re-election.
While gas taxes should be included in any discussion, they should be discussed honestly. The guests kept talking about the federal gas tax and how it hasn't risen in many years. State and local taxes must be considered.
The gas tax we pay at the pump varies greatly from state to state. For example, the total gas tax (per gallon) in North Carolina is 51.2 cents, New York - 69.1 cents, Washington DC - 41.9 cents. North Carolina last raised its tax this past July.
The source is the American Petroleum Institute (pdf):
www.api.org/statistics/fueltaxes/upload/GASOLINE_TAX_MAP_MAY2011.pdf
Diane! Your guests are part of the problem! Anyone who says, "We need to expand capacity," IS the problem!
NO "new road capacity" ANYWHERE in this country is as valuable as REPAIR, or ALTERNATIVE transportation. None. New capacity can NOT compete on its merits. New capacity makes the situation WORSE: more sprawl; worse congestion; more use of private cars; higher public maintenance budgets; greater reliance on foreign oil. How will that help anyone?
Talk of "expansion" is mere laziness in the service of developers and realtors. It does NOT serve the public. It pours public dollars into private pockets, while our existing communities languish and decline. It needs to STOP.
We need five full budget cycles-- at least five calendar years -- in which we divide ALL expenditures between IMPROVING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE or ALTERNATIVES. No extensions OR expansions. That's true of everything: water, sewer, and any other public service infrastructure. Don't add; improve. It's broke; fix it.
And, it will be necessary to ASSURE that states and local units do NOT simply redirect their own budgets to pet projects!
All "new" ROAD construction must be PROHIBITED. Everywhere. Not a single mile of local, state, or federal highway should be constructed. Anywhere. No matter who pays for it, or why. Allowing any new rights of way, or any new pavement, simply digs our own grave even deeper!
Where is the "opposing" voice you have on every ~other~ topic?
There's no question that our infrastructure is in wretched shape and that repairing it would generate long term benefits. However, not two years ago this administration received almost $800 billion dollars which we were told would be used for "shovel ready projects" such as roads, bridges, and sewer systems. After the fact we learned that most of the money was diverted to prop up public sector union jobs at the state level and that very little actually went to infrastructure. Now we're told that they need another $2 trillion over 10 years to buy the horse a second time. What's up with that?
This is why folks are fed up with Washington. Only in DC could people waste almost a trillion dollars in two years and then seriously propose that the solution is to give them another $2 trillion because this time they'll spend it for its intended purpose. Is everyone down there smoking meth, or do y'all just think the money grows on trees?
I agree we need to improve our infrastructure and create jobs but to use companys from Australia that makes no sense. We need to put people in our country to work, use companys from America. Thats part of what got us into this mess. When I was young people that recieved Welfare worked on roads and cleaned streets and did a lot to earn the money they received from the govt. We need to start making sense. These Governers talk out of both sides of their mouths about putting people back to work and then say its alright ot use companys from other countrys. Not right..
Dear Nexcerpt,
Worse still, we already spent the money. Remember the stimulus? Wasn't that $800 billion supposed to be for"shovel ready projects"? How can anyone in Washington seriously propose spending another $2 trillion on the exact same thing just two years later? Where's the accountability?
Voice of Reason asked:
"Is everyone down there smoking meth, or do y'all just think the money grows on trees?"
I can answer that! It's the latter. Washington has no conception of where the money comes from. They see it as "appropriations", not as money coming out of the peoples' pockets. They have absolutely no respect for the public purse. To them, the money is not entrusted to benefit the general welfare, it's a tool to use to ensure their next election.
Dear ecgberht,
I believe you're right. The political class' disregard for the public purse also explains the citizenry's growing resistance to tax increases. After all, why should such irresponsible spendthrifts -- the fattest "fat cats" in the land, by far -- be rewarded with even more of our hard earned money? The fact that folks in DC aren't too ashamed to demand another $2 trillion so soon after the stimulus debacle shows that Washington needs to be put on a VERY severe diet.......
I would like to comment on the lack of scrutiny of the idea of an "Infrastructure Bank", championed by Mr. Rendell and the Obama Administration. No one has really given the details of such a partnership, but, given the Administrations track record in this area, we can easily imagine that such investments would take place with two terms: 1) that revenues would be exacted through tolls and fees for use to pay back investors, and 2) the United States Government will be the guarantor of these projects, including cost overruns and delays.
Instead of giving the reward of these vital projects away to privately wealthy individuals, the federal government should fund these projects itself. And, for those that criticize the "stimulus" bill, they should be mindful of the fact that over half of that bill was TAX CUTS, not actual spending on infrastructure projects. We have yet to see any real injection of cash by the federal government into this economy, save for handing over money to failing banks.
Samin' Texas wrote,
"And, for those that criticize the "stimulus" bill, they should be mindful of the fact that over half of that bill was TAX CUTS, not actual spending on infrastructure projects."
That's exactly the point. The political class promised to spend the stimulus money on infrastructure but then diverted it to all manner of other things, and now wants another $2 trillion to do what it promised to do the first time. Whatever the merit of those "other things," the fact remains that we were sold a bill of goods. So what on Earth makes anyone think they won't scam us again? Fool me once....
SaminTexas wrote:
"And, for those that criticize the "stimulus" bill, they should be mindful of the fact that over half of that bill was TAX CUTS,"
Well, Sam, it depends on your definition of "tax cut". When you give money back to individuals that PAY no Federal Income tax, and call that a tax cut, I'd say it's a bit of a misnomer. When people who pay no income tax get a $300 check, would you call that a "tax cut"? I wouldn't. I know in my tax bracket I didn't get any decrease in the tax I pay. Also, the term "tax cut" is misleading. These were nothing more than "tax rebates" (and, in many cases, simply handouts). Most people think that a "tax cut" is a decrease in marginal rates. That absolutely did not happen under ARRA.
As we close the show with the distinguished gentlperson- oops exGov) from PA describing the need for a nonpolitical government workforce/ advisory panels... we continue to rflol as the description called for was once called 'civil service'(prior to ALL the political appointees).
Sorry for late post BUT just stopped laughing...
in the meantime whom may we eat NEXT?
We should also encourage our children to be scientists so they can go work for the space program(in India or China). Be nice having revenues sent back to US for change.
Cannot get ride to VA hospital or for food(odd that wasn't enough food allowance now seems more than enough?).
IT is ever so warm as well...
Oh well our talents with electronics and electric and general construction grow more valuable everyday...
Willing to fix infrastructure for food(used to no vacation or healthcare) OR medicine- BUT probably illegal.
billion dollar question so last millinium
pay for IT the usual way and say trillion.
remember 'millions and millions and eventually you are talking about real money'... how times change and remain ever the same...
Economics 101- forget how much you are paid etc. How long do you need to work to have a loaf of bread(same size type please)?
Currently- forever or most of days stamp allowance.
10 years ago- 3minutes.
20 years ago- 20 minutes
30 ' '- 15 ' '
40 ' '- 5' '.
Not scientifically valid BUT just putting IT out there.
The most important part of the broken infrastructure that needs repair is the FAMILY UNIT. The family unit is the nucleus of a strong society, and with a chronic 50% divorce rate, and with epidemic births-out-of-wedlock, and raging fatherlessness, the fabric of western society has become horribly shredded. Most of the other socioeconomic problems are essentially symptomatic of this ongoing chain reaction.
And the price of freshly baked bread(scenting throughout the streets in the am) for pennies... gone forever IT seems.
We miss our daily bread. Must be careful to avoid starting mass crazes.
O dear, please let US have our daily bread, thank you...
The panel discussion on this topic mentioned the fact that voters "even in red states" have approved necessary tax increases to fund the basic needs of communities.
I think voters made these decisions because one-party GOP legislatures aren't brave enough to make the tough decisions on generating revenue.
Here in AZ, the Republican-controlled legislature doesn't dare pass ANY tax increase — no matter how much it's needed. There is zero political courage on the part of legislators to actively govern this state and pay for the services a modern society requires. Thus, these most difficult decisions on funding go to the voters. And they pass almost every time because we know better.
We the people are the only ones who seem to have enough courage to make the hard decisions needed to run this state properly. It's a shame that partisan politics can't stop at the voting booth. We need to move beyond political ideology in this state ... and in this country.
Last honest Congress(before protecting US from US) noticed a dropoff on the war on poverty results- from phenomenal to plateau... concerned Congress investigated.
Called the Moynihan report. Accused of being racist etc BUT raised the issue of a core problem being overlooked... 'hardcore' poverty untreated and why. Ignorance IS bless if sheltered and fed. Otherwise grounds for unrest. Course that back in radical 70's.
We LOL at the continued morality push and punishment which will create the very same unorthodox and extended family relationships that they fear. God does have sense of humor.
See also how fighting terrorism via terrorism creates... more terrorism(we learned that in olde Navy). When we were working with the ones we later went back to fight- do not understand- above pay grade we guess.
Still winning the 70's drug war- if only we could somehow tax and regulate and provide healthcare and divert funding from criminal recruitment- er- enforcement and use IT to fight- ignorance and apathy?
At the very least would find IT legal to more successfully 'deal' with our elected representatives. And perhaps understand their point of view.
Why can't we the people, access and utilize natuaral gas powered veichles. Our city's and states have this technology, why don't we?
Why do our government's computers not talk to each other? What is wrong with development of our tech infastructure?
I am all for more roads or maintance of exsisting ones. How do I travel more than 100 miles in my electric car when ther is no charge station available and it takes 7 hours to fully charge?
Why does it cost 20 K after all of the state and federal incentivies,
to put solar on my home so I can produce only 52% of my power needs?
Two comments: Will dependence on higher gas taxes cause the government to dampen the auto industry's efforts to produce a high mileage vehicle? Second: Just because the French pay $8 a gallon doesn't mean we should also. Illogical comparison I think. We're not France.
The grated state of NC... was issuing tickets to non gas vehicles for violating state law. Civilian non- farm use on highway illegal LOL.
Made the creator(of car) very angry LOL. Suspect other as well.
Believe law 'modified' now... course that before new and improved state/federal legislators.
A highspeed rail for long distance(people and cargo) with local line(as in the past) with utilities(as in the past) would truly revitalize the arteries of America. Instead lowbid pacemaker.
Which may work but trial and testing so anticompetitive.
Blessed by subsidized water and gasoline in US we CAN afford to waste both(what we lose in short run made up by bulk waste). Makes most of world jealous. HATED the countries with gas priced less than water... jealousy maybe?
There is only one thing to do with ALL those rooftops... install AC ducts right beneath in incredibily hot space(LOL) to help cool roofs with location of AC on roof where possible so IT can most efficiently discharge the heat...
We love when a good plan comes together... unfortunately little love lately. Love prices available by request and is a total nonendorsed enterprise of NPR, DR show, or most public officials(at least publicly) which may or may not be tolerated locally.
Lived in blue, red, and blue dog states.
Very difficult to wash out... especially the red dust states.
Difficult to forget(we try) the sulfide water states.
Now we believe ALL unsightly and stinking.
Very nice AND low unemployment in DC though(except poor black part- part of uncover Republican OPUS Obama plan?) so no wonder Congress overlooked how most of America doing- darn high flying planes and gated communities and rose-scented glasses?
If able will vote straight ticket Democrat. Have seen what Republicans did last decade and am nervous as deserter(formerly registered Republicans). Maybe that plan behind trying to kill US. Assures next election?
We ARE afraid we are about to find out.
Please post the gasoline tax worldwide diagram mentioned during the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14qjtGEePVY&feature=related
"mceisenberger wrote:
Gas taxes should definitely be increased and for every dollar we spend on highway or automobile use infrastructure, a dollar should be spent on public transportation."
Those gas tax increases would hurt the poor and middle class. The poor have cars.
"HughMacG wrote:
I think that as we design and rebuilt infrastructure, we need to rethink the larger issues of urban planning and the costs associated with sprawl and poorly planned subdivisions. When thinking about high speed rail, freeway construction, etc. I think we need to have a broader plan that integrates ideas about building communities, strengthening local economies and lessening the dependence on the automobile (and road infrastructure)."
Hugh:
Don't want to be packed in like sardines in a can. I like my space. In other words do not want to look out my kitchen window and see what my neighbor is doing.
"Voice of Reason wrote:
There's no question that our infrastructure is in wretched shape and that repairing it would generate long term benefits. However, not two years ago this administration received almost $800 billion dollars which we were told would be used for "shovel ready projects" such as roads, bridges, and sewer systems. After the fact we learned that most of the money was diverted to prop up public sector union jobs at the state level and that very little actually went to infrastructure. Now we're told that they need another $2 trillion over 10 years to buy the horse a second time. What's up with that?"
Kudos Voice:
I am glad you brought this up. I hope somebody will shove these statements up Obama's face in the next election.
Are you reading this ES?
I agree that the infrastructure in the US needs to be improved. However, rather than an across the board gas tax increase, a more equitable funding solution is needed. An increase in the gas tax disproportionately targets those that live in rural areas, while the majority of the funds will be spent in high populations areas, for example, the Washington beltway that was mentioned in the broadcast.
A gas tax in the amount that is being discussed on your show would decimate many working people who rely on cars to go to and perform their work. How will housekeepers, construction workers, landscapers be able to continue to earn a living? Additionally, The average European does not drive 28 miles round trip to their job on a daily basis. We can't compare our space and sprawl and car use to theirs.