To get around a roadblock with the governor, lawmakers consider passing transportation funding as a constitutional amendment rather than a bill. (photo courtesy Ga.Tech)
The governor’s issue with the current bill… it lets regions opt out. With a constitutional amendment Republican lawmakers drafting the plan won’t need the governor’s approval, but they do need Democrat support because it requires 2/3 majority.
Democratic Senator Doug Stoner says he’s been approached by Republicans about it, but he needs to be at the table if they want his support.
"We’re willing to work with them but at the end of the day if we’re not part of the conference committee in the room, then we wish them luck on passing a transportation bill," says Stoner who served on transportation conference committees the last two years.
Right now, only Republicans sit on the six member committee. They have four legislative days left to pass a transportation funding plan.
