Johnson comments on Obama’s State of the Union address

NSSGA President and CEO Michael Johnson released a statement in support of the State of the Union address President Obama delivered January 28.

Specifically, Johnson cites the Obama’s comment on rebuilding the nation’s roads. Following is his statement in its entirety.

“The president once again mentioned the need to rebuild America’s surface transportation infrastructure in his State of the Union address. I hope the sixth time is the charm because it will take presidential leadership to find a long-term solution to the pending insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund.

“The president’s call for corporate tax reform is a welcome development for members of the aggregates industry. By both lowering the rates and eliminating complexities within the code, everyone from mom and pop companies running a single sand and gravel operation all the way up to vertically integrated corporations employing thousands of men and women across America will see the benefits. Decreased tax compliance costs coupled with increased after tax earnings translate into stronger companies capable of providing good paying jobs for American workers.

“Furthermore, the president’s proposal to invest at least a portion of the revenue generated through corporate tax reform in the nation’s roads, bridges and ports is a step in the right direction and one that Republicans and Democrats can and should support. We commend the president for also pledging to further reduce government bureaucracy and streamline the project delivery process to build upon the progress being made under MAP-21.

“But applause lines do not build roads and, as country music artist Toby Keith sang, we need ‘a little less talk and a lot more action.’  The time is now to rebuild America’s infrastructure.”