After announcing my opposition to tolls on I-95 last week, I have now taken the next step by drafting legislation to prevent the proposal from taking place. I hope this bill will generate the support of the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation in order to protect our economy from the crippling harm these tolls would impose on our citizens and businesses. More information on these bills can be found in this newsletter
Also this week, I voted for the JOBS Act. This bipartisan bill was passed by the House and will help small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country to innovate, grow, and create jobs.
When I am working in Washington, my North Carolina staff remains active in the district, meeting with constituents and keeping me informed on local issues. Information about some of their most recent activity is also included here.
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No Tolls in North Carolina Act of 2012
This week, I submitted a bill that will forbid the Federal Highway Administration from approving a pilot program that would enact tolls on Interstate 95 in order to pay for its expansion.
After hearing from numerous constituents and businesses up and down the I-95 corridor, it is clear that NCDOT did not demonstrate that these improvements could be implemented without a toll as required by law. While our highways need to be updated to meet growing needs and usage, North Carolina taxpayers should not have to bear further burdens after paying one of the highest gas taxes in the country.
Read my full press release regarding this bill here.
Click here to read my letter to the Federal Highway Administration submitted on February 29th.
Follow this link to read the Dunn Daily Record’s editorial regarding opposition to the proposed tolls.
JOBS Act
By a vote of 390-23, the House passed the bipartisan Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act this week. The bill, which now moves to the Senate, removes some of the government red tape that has stood in the way of small business startups and entrepreneurs from raising capital and going public. This bill shows that it is possible to put aside our differences and come together to produce results.
In the News
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers introduces bill to block tolls on I-95 in North Carolina
Fayetteville Observer
Ellmers’ statement said tolls would cause “crippling harm” to residents and businesses. Thomas Doheny, Ellmers’ press secretary, said she’s been cautioned about the consequences of tolls by colleagues including Rep. Michael Grimm, a Republican from New York, where I-95 is tolled heavily.
Ellmers files bill to block I-95 tolls
Raleigh News & Observer
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers has introduced legislation that would prevent officials from installing tolls along I-95. Ellmers said the bill “No Tolls in North Carolina Act of 2012” prevents the Federal Highway Administration from approving a pilot program that would add tolls on the interstate highway in order to pay for its expansion.
Ellmers files anti-toll bill for I-95
ABC 11 WTVD
The Second District representative introduced a bill that would forbid the state Department of Transportation from converting I-95 into a toll road. Ellmers said drivers in North Carolina already pay one of the highest gas taxes in the country. “I feel very strongly that it will hurt businesses there,” said Ellmers. “It will hurt our constituents who have to pay an additional tax, essentially to drive to work every day.”
Ellmers trying to block I-95 tolls
CBS 5 WRAL
Second District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers is fighting a plan that would allow North Carolina to collect tolls on Interstate 95.The Federal Highway Administration gave the state Department of Transportation preliminary permission last month to pursue tolling on the interstate to help pay for highway improvements.Ellmers has introduced a bill in Congress that would prohibit tolls on I-95, saying that the DOT hasn’t demonstrated that improvements couldn’t be implemented without a toll, as required by law.
Working for You in the District
While I am at work in Washington, members of my staff are busy across the district.
Over the past two weeks, members of my staff have met with city and county officials in Vance, Franklin, Harnett, Chatham, Cumberland, Wake, Sampson, Moore, Nash and Johnston Counties. They have also toured the new Duke Cancer Center, and attended meetings of the Johnston and Wake County Farm Bureau, and the NC Growers Association meeting.
Last week, the Academy Nomination Coordinator from my office answered questions about the nomination process at a breakfast information session for guidance counselors from across the area. She also spoke at All Academy night in Raleigh where she met with and answered questions from students from the Second District.