By AP/KWMU
Washington – Senator Jim Talent's plan to fix roads by issuing $50 billion in transportation bonds is picking up support from labor unions, business groups, and construction groups.
Talent and Oregon Senator Ron Wyden introduced a bill to issue "Build America Bonds" earlier this year as a way to raise money for cash-strapped states and cities.
The money would be separate from the multiyear federal highway bill that provides the bulk of states' transportation dollars.
Talent spoke Wednesday at a Capitol news conference. He said there's a big deficit in highways and transportation infrastructure in this country, and it's hurting everybody. He said it's costing lives and jobs.
Talent and other supporters hope the new round of endorsements will strengthen their hand when they push the bill next year.