Tennessee Democrats Propose Transportation Infrastructure Reform

Tennessee Democrats launched a campaign focusing on the state's significant transportation challenges, highlighted by a $34 billion backlog of projects. They propose to abandon the current 'pay-as-you-go' funding model, which restricts the state from incurring debt for necessary improvements. Representative Aftyn Behn emphasized that this financing method results in higher costs for fewer road miles, while other Democratic leaders accused the Republican supermajority of neglecting infrastructure since they took power in 2011. The campaign, titled 'Rocky Top, Not Rocky Roads,' includes billboards urging accountability for deteriorating road conditions and traffic congestion. Republicans, however, defend the current funding model as fiscally responsible and argue against raising taxes for road repairs, advocating instead for the use of existing general funds. The upcoming legislative proposals aim to revitalize Tennessee's infrastructure in response to growing public concern over road conditions.