(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for certain expenses (OR +$54,690,000 GF EX See Note)
Impact
If passed, this bill will impact how the state allocates its transportation funding significantly. Currently, the TTF is primarily reserved for costs related to the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure. By prohibiting salary payments from this fund, the state aims to enhance investment in physical infrastructure projects while addressing concerns about government efficiency and expenditure. Over time, the bill seeks to ensure that taxpayer dollars are strictly invested in infrastructure development rather than administrative costs.
Summary
House Bill 440 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to restrict the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) from utilizing Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) monies for paying current employees' salaries. Starting from the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the bill delineates a gradual reduction in salary payments, ultimately prohibiting any use of TTF funds for salaries by the fiscal year 2024-2025. The intent behind this amendment is to ensure that trust fund allocations are exclusively targeted towards the maintenance and construction of transportation infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, which is deemed a priority for state funding.
Sentiment
The discussion surrounding HB 440 appears mixed, with proponents arguing that it is a necessary measure to ensure fiscal responsibility and to mitigate unnecessary expenditures on salaries. They believe that this will result in more funds being available for critical infrastructure projects that genuinely support public welfare. However, opponents may argue that this approach could undermine employee morale and operational functionality within the DOTD, potentially leading to issues in project delivery and management.
Contention
Notable points of contention center on the impact this bill may have on staffing and the ability of DOTD to effectively manage infrastructure projects. Critics express concern that overly reducing salary allocations could hinder the department's operational capacity, leading to potential delays or inadequacies in project management. Furthermore, the proposed amendment may spark debate about the government's role in controlling financial resources versus the need for ensuring that agencies remain adequately funded to execute their mandates efficiently.
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for benefits for retired employees (OR +$8,220,000 GF EX See Note)
Prohibits the Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for certain expenses (OR +$54,690,000 GF EX See Note)
Limits monies deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund from being used to pay for certain Dept. of Transportation and Development expenses (OR +$32,870,000 GF EX See Note)
Limits monies deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund from being used to pay for certain Dept. of Transportation and Development expenses (OR +$32,870,000 GF EX See Note)
Prohibits the Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for benefits for retired employees (OR +$8,220,000 GF EX See Note)
Limits monies deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund from being used to pay for certain Dept. of Transportation and Development expenses (EG +$32,500,000 GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires a certain portion of the monies in the Transportation Trust Fund to be used on certain projects (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Transportation Trust Fund monies from being used by state police for traffic control purposes and limits annual appropriations to other transportation programs (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
Constitutional amendment to provide, beginning Fiscal Year 2016-2017, for certain dedications from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for benefits for retired employees (OR +$8,220,000 GF EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to provide, beginning Fiscal Year 2016-2017, for certain dedications from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Revises "New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act"; extends process for calculating gas tax rate until Fiscal Year 2032; imposes sales and use tax and additional registration fee on electric vehicles; appropriates $2.5 billion.