Georgia legislative leaders announced a committee Wednesday charged with recommending ways around the state’s transportation funding challenges. Among its members are a big political donor and former state Rep. Edward Lindsey, R-Atlanta, who resigned his state House seat Wednesday in order to accept the appointment.
Lindsey said no special election will be needed for his Buckhead-area seat, which will be filled after the regular Nov. 4 election. The former House majority whip ran unsuccessfully for Congress earlier this year.
The new panel is expected to meet up to eight times over the next few months, with a Nov. 30 deadline to make recommendations to the state Legislature.
Among potential new revenue sources for transportation projects in Georgia are a fractional sales tax, excise taxes and adjustments to the state motor fuel tax.
Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, will be a co-chairman of what’s officially known as the Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding Joint Study Committee. Serving with him will be Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Hill, R-Reidsville; Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta; Sen. Tyler Harper, R-Ocilla; and Sen. David Lucas, D-Macon.
Additionally, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle appointed political campaign donor Steve Green to the committee as a citizen member. Green is a longtime member of the Georgia Ports Authority and a past chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. He has contributed $13,825 to Cagle since 2007 and $18,700 to Gov. Nathan Deal over the past three years.
House Transportation Committee Chairman Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla, will also be a co-chairman of the committee, with additional members including House Appropriations Chairman Terry England R-Auburn; Rep. Jon Burns, R-Newington; Rep. Mark Hamilton, R-Cumming; and Rep. Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus.
House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, made the additional pick of Lindsey.
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