Transportation Tax Debate On 11Alive | News

ATLANTA, Ga. -- A supporter and opponent of the July 31st transportation tax referendum debated the issues on 11Alive Weekend Morning News Saturday.

State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers has broken ranks with fellow Republicans Governor Nathan Deal and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle in opposing the measure.   Democratic State Senator Curt Thompson says what's on the ballot is not perfect, but says the state in general, and metro Atlanta specifically, must do something now to ease gridlock.

Senator Thompson says if the measure fails, businesses will bypass Georgia and go elsewhere.  Majority Leader Rogers dismissed that claim, saying that businesses in states with more developed mass transit than Atlanta have already come to Georgia and will continue doing so.

Many of the questions asked arose from questions viewers have posed to 11Alive via e-mail or postings on our Facebook page.