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SunRail Fails On Procedural Vote, Appears Near Death

Posted Apr 30, 2009 by William March

Updated Apr 30, 2009 at 07:22 PM

The controversial SunRail proposal, involving state purchase of railroad lines from CSX for Central Florida commuter rail system, appeared near death Thursday night after the state Senate on a procedural vote refused to consider it.

Supporters said they’ll continue trying today, but Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, chief SunRail sponsor in the Senate, acknowledged the chances are very slim.

The Senate voted 23-17 to refuse to consider an amendment by another SunRail backer, Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Fort Lauderdale, that included the SunRail legislation plus a sweetener that has caused several South Florida legislators to support it—authorization for a rental car surcharge that would provide steady funding for the South Florida commuter rail line, TriRail.

Because Ring’s amendment was “late-filed,” meaning it was filed after the deadline late yesterday for consideration in today’s floor session, it would have taken a two-thirds vote to hear it. In the Senate, which prides itself on collegiality, late-filed amendments are nearly always heard as a courtesy to members without taking a vote. But in this case, there were two contested voice votes, and then a roll call, on whether to consider it.

Among Tampa Bay area senators, only Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, voted yes; Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, Charlie Justice, D-St. Petersburg and Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, all voted no.

The Senate then began discussion of another, similar amendment by Constantine that had been filed on time. But it was then after 6 p.m. and the Senate was set to recess at 7 p.m., because the members still had to attend conference committee meetings in which House-Senate differences on the state budget are being hashed out.

Constantine withdrew his amendment when it became clear there wouldn’t be time for full debate and vote, but later said if there had been a vote on the amendment, he believes it could have won.

Ring and Constantine were trying to attach the SunRail bill to another transportation measure, which must be heard on third reading tomorrow.

Ring said he intends to try again with his amendment, and Constantine refused to say the measure is dead—“I’m not going to give up the fight until it’s over. Do I have a chance? Yes. Is it good? No,” he told reporters after the session ended.

“We have one day,” he said. “I’ve seen miracles.”

The Legislature is extending its session through next week, but only for the purpose of completing the budget.

Even opponents were reluctant to pronounce the measure dead, even though it gave that appearance.

“I wish there had been a vote,” said Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, declining to call the matter settled.

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