Politics & Government

Eyes of Texas Watching Georgia TSPLOST Vote

There has been talk in the Lone Star State about such a vote. Georgia outcome could be a factor in the future.

The transportation sales tax that currently is before voters in Atlanta and other areas of Georgia has drawn notice from Texas.

According to a report in the Dallas Morning News, there are parallels between Georgia and Texas and their respective pursuits of transportation improvements. But they differ in that Georgia officials allowed the matter to be decided by voters.

The Dallas report noted that north Texas leaders have tried three times to persuade the Texas Legislature to grant communities the same opportunity to ask voters to tax themselves more for transportation. It passed the Senate at least once, but the House never followed suit. And it has never had the active support of either the Texas governor or lieutenant governor.

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But however the Georgia vote goes, it’s an important reminder that officials in state capitals, no less than in Washington, are sending a message to urban areas: You’re on your own.

-- Are you surprised by Texas' position on transportation? Tell us in the comments below.

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