By REP. PHYLLIS GUTIERREZ KENNEY

The strength of our state's economy - and our personal standard of living - depends largely on our ability to get to where we need to go.

Whether traveling to work, school, or the grocery store or to visit family and friends, Washington residents need a safe and efficient transportation system.

A transportation system is a major factor in our state's ability to attract and retain business. Yet, as a result of our transportation problems, businesses face an additional $2 billion in costs to get their products to ports, warehouses, and stores. We face the real risk of losing major employers to other states.

We all know this. Why is it then that after two special sessions the Legislature has not yet come up with a comprehensive transportation plan?

Because, in the strange political drama that is caused by the House of Representatives being tied, no bill can come to the floor for a vote unless both Speakers agree. And the Republican Speaker will not allow a vote on a transportation plan unless working families are penalized first.

In the name of "reform," we are being asked to eliminate long-standing prevailing wage laws and begin paying lower wages to the men and women who build and maintain our highways and bridges. This is an awful idea for several reasons.

First, there is absolutely no data to support the idea that lower wages will translate into savings for taxpayers. In fact, studies of prevailing wage law have shown over and over again that just the opposite is true: it is actually more costly to build a highway with lower-wage workers than with those paid the prevailing wage. Second, highway construction workers are highly-skilled. These folks have years of training, and take multiple classes each year to keep their job skills current. Not only that, but it is dangerous work, as well. The Department of Transportation recently dedicated a memorial to the 55 highway employees who have been killed on their jobs.

And third, many of our state's towns and communities have not been as blessed with the roaring economy of the Puget Sound region. To eliminate the few remaining decent-paying jobs in these areas seems too cruel a blow to families trying to hang on.

Washington is in desperate need of a transportation program with vision and focus and long-term solutions. I am asking that they reconsider their demand that we balance the state transportation budget on the backs of working families. Let's get Washington moving again.

Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney represents the 46th Legislative District. (