the truth about pa's transportaiton funding in 2014, by bob latham
TRANSCRIPT
Pennsylvania 2013Transportation Funding Campaign
Starting Line
Last gas tax passed in 1997. $500 million in highway monies flexed to
fund mass transit. Act 44 – Failed attempt to toll I-80. Proposals to sell/lease the PA Turnpike. Governor who ran on no-tax pledge. Republican control of both Houses of the
legislature with considerable TEA Party influence.
Strategy Development
Develop Strategic Clarity
Strategic Clarity Messaging Research Problem Framing Building Knowledge Capital Thought Leadership Issues Management Brand Differentiation Outreach & Engagement Stakeholder Loyalty
Assess Internals
Leadership Staffing Funding Public Affairs Communications Technology
Recruit Industry Leadership
Jamie Van Buren
Mike Ryan
Rich Wagman
Dan HawbakerTom Lawson
Secure Funding
APC Educational Trust Fund
Highway Education Foundation
PHIA TCI-PAC
Build Your Team – Fill Needs
Strategy
Public Relations
Outreach
Lobbying
Assess Politics
Understand the Public
Survey Research
Market Research
Organize Information
Determine Your Ask
2010 study commission identified $3.5 billion per year funding gap
2011 Governor’s Commission identified $2.5 billion in funding opportunities
Metrics – What Will it Cost Me?
Make Metrics Widely Available
Recruit Broad Based Support
What is Your Brand?
Seize Every Opportunity
Lessons Learned
State your ask clearly and stick to it. Actively mold the political environment you need
to be successful. Develop and use information strategically. Constantly assess new information and its impact
on your strategy. Build the biggest tent you can. There is no substitute for active and engaged
leadership. Manage resources and expectations carefully. www.pahighwayinfo.org
Pennsylvania 2014
“It Ain’t Over”
2014 Advocacy
Reinforce the value of Act 89 Primary Elections – Yes Votes Messaging and Campaign Support Messaging: Safety and Economic Prosperity Polling: Public Acceptance of the Need Demonstrate Support to Congress www.pahighwayinfo.org
Public perceptions
of transportation
fundingMay 2014
Methodology N=800 Sampling error +3.5% Feb. 10-20, 2014 Terry Madonna Opinion Research Survey Technology & Research, Allentown Registered voters, from statewide voter lists Weighted for gender, religion Previous data presented for context rather than
statistical comparison
How important do you think it is for the state of Pennsylvania to improve safety and relieve congestion on our highways; is it very important, somewhat important, not very important or not important at all?
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
Very important 74% 60% 31% 65% 73% 50%
Somewhat important 22% 32% 60% 27% 23% 42%
Not very important 2% 4% 7% 6% 3% 6%
Not at all important 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2%
Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following statements… Is that strongly or somewhat [agree/disagree]:
Year Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Somewhat Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Increasing the investment in our highway system will create jobs and help our economy recover.
20142013201120102009
55%44%41%43%35%
29%38%39%42%41%
6%10%13%10%14%
8%4%7%3%9%
Relieving congestion and improving the condition of our highways would improve public safety.
20142013201120102009
71%45%50%57%51%
24%45%40%36%38%
2%5%8%5%7%
2%2%3%1%4%
The state’s economic health is dependant on having a good highway system.
20142013201120102009
57%41%33%37%24%
29%46%42%39%44%
8%8%
19%16%19%
5%2%4%6%
11%
Have you read or heard that Pennsylvania recently enacted a comprehensive transportation funding plan?
Yes 40%
No 59%
Don’t know 1%
(2013 question) One funding plan would cost about $3.50 per week for a typical Pennsylvania driver. Do you think $3.50 per week is a reasonable investment to make for improved safety and reduced congestion?
(If no) Do you think $2.50 per week is a reasonable investment to make for improved safety and reduced congestion?
Total of those who believe at least $2.50 per week per driver is reasonable:
$3.50 41%
$2.50 59%*
*Cumulative
If you knew that the funding plan would create more than 50,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, mostly in industries other than highway construction, would you be much more likely, somewhat more likely, or no more likely to support the plan?
Much more likely 12%
Somewhat more likely 44%
No more likely 39%
If you knew that new highway and bridge spending would be used to improve the roads and bridges in and around your community, would you be much more likely, somewhat more likely, or no more likely to support the plan?
Much more likely 15%
Somewhat more likely 42%
No more likely 40%
Conclusions Low awareness – transportation an unlikely campaign issue unless
candidates make it an issue. Support for investment remain strong. Willingness to pay $2.50 per
week has been consistently near 60 percent in multiple polls over several years.
‘Safety,’ ‘congestion relief’ and, ‘jobs’ continue to be the most effective messages for framing this issue.
Incumbents need to stress benefits of the Act 89 rather than falling into the trap of defending the cost or the method for raising the revenue. Pointing out specific safety and congestion-relief projects in their own regions would help also.