Transportation Budget Forced to Conference Committee

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today called the Senate’s version of the transportation budget (H.B. 23) promising, however, conference committee is necessary to iron out the troubling differences in the two versions. Certain amendments unjustly rewrite the rules on competitive construction bids, impacting working people, labor unions, and potentially allowing billions to be unfairly awarded to projects aimed at improving roadways and bridges across Ohio.

“When government invests in our roads, buildings, and sewers, we are also investing in the people doing the work. Competitive bidding is an important tool for ensuring workplace safety and skilled labor,” said Rep. McNally. “As stewards of taxpayer dollars, it’s important for the state of Ohio to make sure these jobs are done well and that the people doing them are well taken care of. I’d like to support a transportation budget that believes in supporting Ohio workers.”

The transportation budget includes bipartisan railway safety measures such as two-person crews and maintaining effective wayside detectors as well as investments in infrastructure projects around the state, all items that were supported by Representative McNally. The transportation budget heads to conference committee where members of the House and Senate will negotiate a final transportation budget.