Opinion

We all react differently to the “good news, bad news” scenario. Given a choice, which one do you prefer to hear first?

On House Bill 1242, which was heard before the House Transportation and Energy Committee on Wednesday night, we will start with the bad news: it calls for a sales tax increase, something rarely welcome and one that will need approval by voters.

It is countered, however, by the good news, the best being that our lawmakers have tackled the estimated $9 billion needed for the state’s roads over the next decade.

Better, they have done it with bipartisan cooperation, creativity and some good, old, political common sense.

The special sales tax increase — .62 percent over the next 20 years – would raise the state sales tax to 3.52 percent, generating an estimated $677 million each year. That, combined with a bond measure in the range of $3.5 billion, will let the Colorado Department of Transportation address existing infrastructure maintenance problems and work on expanding the state’s transportation network in areas already identified as top priorities going forward.

Under the bill, which will likely be modified in debate, CDOT would receive $300 million each year. Of the remainder, 70 percent will be distributed to local governments and 30 percent to a new “multimodal transportation options fund.” All of the funds will be dedicated to transportation projects, and they will be directed to projects in every corner of the state, something that appeals to Montezuma County representatives and residents.

Many Republicans object to the bill, stemming from their rejection of any tax increase at this time. A sales tax increase is also opposed by small business owners, who cited competition from online stores that avoid local taxes. Senate President Kevin Grantham, R-Cañon City, had this response:

“We weren’t going to get a bill dropped that had ideal situations for either side,” he said. “This is a compromise.”

It is indeed, and while it is overdue, it deserves support in a climate where grandstanding and gridlock describe far too many legislative initiatives.

Compromise is, after all, not just the name of the game. It is essential.