Earlier today Governor Corbett, former Governor Ed Rendell, Transportation Secretary Barry J. Schoch and Legislative Leaders held a Transportation Funding Rally at the Capitol urging legislative action on HB106 and an amendment offered by House Transportation Chairman Nicholas A. Micozzie.

Shortly after the press conference started, Corbett's office issued the following press release along with a description of the contents of the Micozzie amendment. The text of the amendment is available here A04465.

Governor Tom Corbett stated that Transportation is a core function of government. He went on to describe how other people have suggested to kick the can down the road, Corbett's response, "You can't kick a can down a road that's broken."

Secretary Schoch went on to introduce former Governor Ed Rendell who framed the issuse as bi-partisan and important. Rendell went on to invoke Ronald Regan, "Why would we wait to do something about our roads and bridges in this County, when if we wait 5 years it will be twice as expensive." Rendell continued, "President Regan was right then, Governor Corbett is right today."

At 11:43 am there were 49 amendments filed to HB106, three hours later that number increased to 130. House rules require all amendments to be filed by 2pm the session day before they are scheduled to receive Second Consideration.

There are only 8 timely filed amendments to HB106 sponsored by Majority Leader Mike Turzai, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo and Democratic Whip Mike Hanna.

If this bill does not receive consideration today, all amendments filed by 2 pm today will be in order and make for a long day tomorrow. We'll keep you informed as events unfold.