bills

We've at last obtained copies of the text of two mystery bills on tollroad concessions introduced in the US Senate six days ago (April 23) and greeted with loud applause by Washington DC trucker lobby groups, although neither of the senators sponsoring the bills - Jeff Bingaman (Dem NM), Chuck Grassley (Rep IO) had made any statement until mid-morning today.

Also the mystery tollroad bills were not listed in legislation sponsored by either senator on their websites.

American Trucking Associations (ATA) issued a statement Friday titled "ATA Applauds the Introduction of Anti-privatization Legislation" before the text of the bills (S884 and S885) were released, or any announcement made by the sponsors of the bills, suggesting ATA has an inside role. Sponsors of the bills according to the ATA are US Senators Jeff Bingaman (Dem NM) and Chuck Grassley (Repub IO).

Dave Aronberg, a Democrat state senator and minority whip seems to be "doing a Carona" - flipping from support of privatization when it isn't controversial to strongly opposing it once a particular project attracts criticism. Aronberg is introducing two bills in the state senate:

- to impose a two year moratorium on signing toll concession/lease agreements on existing facilities