Democrats announce a road spending plan

Senate Democrats have joined the road funding debate with a proposal to help local governments raise more money.

Democrats are supporting a smaller version of a Republican plan to tap a local reserve fund for an immediate shot of cash — they’re proposing 245-million dollars instead of Republicans’ 418-million. But Minority Leader Tim Lanane (lannon/sounds like cannon) says there needs to be a long-term funding source.

His proposal would let counties impose three local taxes or let them use a fourth already in place.

The Democratic plan would let counties impose a local gas tax of up to two cents, or seek voters’ approval to go above the state property tax caps to pay for roads. It also gives the 44 counties who don’t impose wheel and excise taxes the option of instituting one or the other. Current law requires counties to levy both or neither.

Counties with local income taxes for public safety could use that money for roads as well.