House Democrats are sailing the wrong tack, however, on new ferry construction, backing the building of four expensive new auto ferries but only one passenger-only vessel. It's coming down to a classic ideological confrontation. The price tag Republicans have put on their support of a tax increase is fundamental changes in labor law, including prevailing wage rules, because they say that will save money. But if Democrats must undercut their labor constituency to get the tax increases, the price may be too high. The governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation recommended studying the value of changing the prevailing wage rules and of more private contracting.
Democrats are ready to agree to study the issues.
If legislators can muster the courage to reach a consensus on efficiencies and funding, they need to muster even more and approve a final package in the Legislature. They should abandon the politically faint-hearted plan to turn to the voters for approval of the revenue package. Those who fear the voters' wrath over transportation taxation should fear more the voters' wrath over transportation inaction.