House Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Markosek (at podium), Rep. Tim Solobay (right) and others unveil the state's new motorcycle disability license plate. The plate will replace the decal currently used by motorcyclists with a disability.

Responding to recent criticism of Act 44, the new transportation funding plan for Pennsylvania, House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph Markosek and Majority Whip Keith McCall explain at a news conference why it would be a mistake for lawmakers to repeal the law or reopen the notion of leasing the turnpike to private investors.

Gov. Ed Rendell signs the transportation bill, sponsored by state Rep. Joe Markosek, chairman of the House Transportation Committee. Standing closest to Rep. Markosek and the governor are: Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl; Pat McMahon, president, Amalgamated 85 transit union; state Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler; and Joe Brimmeier, executive director of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.