Normally, the Legislature passes a bond package each year and then sends it to voters for approval. This year, however, state Republicans voted against the bonds, blocking them from reaching Maine voters. If a compromise can’t be reached, this will be only the second time in the last 20 years that Mainers have been unable to vote on these important projects.

I serve on the Transportation Committee in the Legislature, and I have seen ample evidence of how much these bonds, and the federal funds they bring, are needed.

Projects like the Waldo-Hancock Bridge repair were depending on the transportation bond for funding. With no bond measure, $10 million in transportation funding had to be diverted from other improvement projects across the state, just to allow the bridge repairs to continue.

The governor recently proposed a $55 million bond package in an effort to broker a compromise. However, Republicans maintain that even this conservative package is too large, despite the fact that it would be the smallest bond package, in current dollars, to go to Maine voters in over 20 years.

The governor’s proposal would bring $100 million in federal funds and give Maine’s economy and infrastructure a $155 million shot in the arm. For every $1 million of bond money spent on new construction, 34.9 new Maine jobs will be created.

Our roads and bridges are the foundation of our economy. Maine people deserve a say on the transportation improvements that our economy, and many local jobs, are counting on.

Rep. Sonya Sampson, Auburn