The issue has defied party lines, tested regional loyalties and turned allies against one another. Only now in the final week has doubt grown. It might be a big chain-reaction wreck. As Senate negotiators resist creating an enduring funding source, House negotiators are talking openly about a deadlock. Administration officials and most lawmakers resist the idea of calling a special session.
Strong positions are common in budget negotiations when the final deadline is still days away.
Yet even veteran lawmakers say there is a large gulf between the two sides on the size, funding source and philosophy of the two plans. That funding would come from a portion of the tax on insurance policies and 30 percent of the state's share of the national legal settlement with tobacco companies. That would create a clear break from decades of tradition against paying for transportation with the general fund, which is supported by the income tax and other broad-based taxes. Critics note that such borrowing accelerates projects but doesn't add any new money to the transportation spending pot for the long term. I get the impression that they don't care if we get a transportation package.