Kaine And GOP At Odds on Shortfall

In attendance at the meeting were both backers and foes of Kaine's plan.

"I don't mind paying more taxes," said Greta Houston, 62, of Occoquan. "The taxes you are suggesting are not that much, and I'm proud to pay them if they'll keep our transportation system going."

But Woodbridge business owner Bryan Martin said: "I don't understand why it always has to be about raising taxes. The economy is in a critical time. I think it's wrong to raise taxes. You should cut spending more."

House Republicans, including Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), oppose Kaine's proposal partly because of their anti-tax philosophy and partly because they do not believe the need is crucial and must be addressed this year.

"They're painting a gloomier picture than what's actually out there," said Del. Phillip A. Hamilton (R-Newport News), vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Although House Republicans dispute Kaine's figures, they do not have their own estimates, arguing that economists can calculate numbers to show whatever someone wants. Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) said the need is "halfway" between what Kaine and House leaders say.

The state collects transportation money from dozens of sources, but most comes from taxes on gasoline, cars and other products. About $1.5 billion a year is spent to maintain roads and an additional $1 billion a year to construct them.

In recent years, a downturn in the economy and rising prices for asphalt and steel have forced the state to spend money on maintenance that was supposed to be for construction.

"Even if this problem is half as dire as they say, the money is still needed," Del. Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry) said. "Does anyone in this state really think we don't have a transportation problem?"

A year ago, Virginia's transportation troubles appeared to have been resolved. The General Assembly passed a landmark package last year to pump $1.1 billion annually into transportation across Virginia. Regional authorities were set up to collect $400 million a year in Northern Virginia and $200 million in Hampton Roads.

But lawmakers repealed the steep abusive-driver fees, which were estimated to bring in $65 million a year. Then the state Supreme Court ruled that the regional authorities could not constitutionally levy taxes and fees because they are not elected bodies.

House Republicans said Kaine has played down the fact that last year's plan will still produce about $500 million a year for the state. Transportation Secretary Pierce R. Homer says there is $200 million less for transportation each year than what officials estimated when the bill passed last year.