Delegate Brooke Lierman: New Infrastructure Plans Rolling Out

Following the signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NewDEALers are poised to lead in directing investments to long-overdue projects that will impact the economic vitality of their communities. Many NewDEAL Leaders are already taking action on these priorities. Delegate Brooke Lierman’s Maryland Transit Safety & Investment Act overcame a gubernatorial veto and is set to eliminate the state’s $2 billion public transportation maintenance backlog by spending nearly half a billion dollars each year for repairs and enhancements. In Nevada, Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft celebrated the groundbreaking of a long-awaited bridge project which first received federal funding in the 1990s. “This bridge is an important transportation element and it is also critical for emergency responders,” Naft said. Elsewhere, the Boston Council approved newly-elected Mayor Michelle Wu’s $8 million plan for three of the city’s bus lines to go fare-free, an important step towards making the city’s transportation equitable and accessible. The program will utilize federal funding, and early numbers suggest that ridership will be significantly boosted by the measure.

Councilmember Raul Campillo: Connecting Seniors to Affordable Transportation

Recently, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo announced the launch of the FACT pilot program, or Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation, in coordination with local community groups. The program will subsidize rides for seniors who do not have access to cars, allowing them to get basic needs like groceries and medical prescriptions, with charges of $2.50 for rides shorter than 5 miles and $10 dollars for rides longer than 20.1 miles. Read more info about the program, which local senior centers praised as a great improvement to the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Senator Marko Liias: Transformational Transportation Future for Washington

Earlier this month, the Washington legislature passed NewDEAL Leader Senator Marko Liias’ $17 billion “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. The wide-reaching legislation, which evolved out of over 90 public listening sessions, includes money for highway construction, bridge repairs, transit programs, environmental safeguards, and full electrification of the state’s ferry fleet. Children will also ride free on buses, ferries, and trains as a result of the package. The package utilizes funding from multiple sources, including the federal government and revenue from the state’s new cap-and-trade system. “We’re investing in projects from rural to urban areas across our state,” Liias said. “And all without punting the cost to working families.” Read more here.

Senator Eddie Melton: Bipartisan Bill Revitalizes Gary, IN

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed SEA 434 – an innovative economic development bill sponsored and championed by NewDEAL Leader Indiana Senator Eddie Melton – into law this week. Senate Enrolled Act 434, which was introduced by Senator Melton back in January, matches new gaming revenue with local dollars for economic investments in the Lake County region. With these funds, the bill establishes the Lake County Convention and Economic Development Fund; creates the Blighted Property Demolition Fund to address the over 6,000 abandoned properties in the region; and invests in the revitalization of the Gary Metro Station to meet the goals of the state’s Double Tracking project. “SEA 434 represents new beginnings and opportunities for the people of Gary who have long been ready for change,” Senator Melton expressed at the bill’s signing. SEA 434 represents a pragmatic, bipartisan win for Melton and for all of Indiana, with the bill passing by a 49-1 vote.

Senator Eddie Melton’s Bipartisan Bill Revitalizes Gary, IN

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed SEA 434 – an innovative economic development bill sponsored and championed by NewDEAL Leader Indiana Senator Eddie Melton – into law this week. Senate Enrolled Act 434, which was introduced by Senator Melton back in January, matches new gaming revenue with local dollars for economic investments in the Lake County region. With these funds, the bill establishes the Lake County Convention and Economic Development Fund; creates the Blighted Property Demolition Fund to address the over 6,000 abandoned properties in the region; and invests in the revitalization of the Gary Metro Station to meet the goals of the state’s Double Tracking project. “SEA 434 represents new beginnings and opportunities for the people of Gary who have long been ready for change,” Senator Melton expressed at the bill’s signing. SEA 434 represents a pragmatic, bipartisan win for Melton and for all of Indiana, with the bill passing by a 49-1 vote.

Mayor Steven Reed: Expanding Transportation System in Montgomery

TRANSPORTATION – Alabama: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed will allocate $6.5 million in local and federal COVID relief funding to expand the city’s transportation system. Reed aims to reach more residents by using a new app-based system to deploy new buses and vans to increase the area of service with more frequent and reliable transportation. “We believe public transportation is important because it serves as the biggest economic inhibitor for those who are trying to get from one level economically to the next,” Reed said.

ARP: Norwalk CT, Expanding Transportation Access

Senator Duff helped structure a state budget that enacted several transit access programs. The fare-free bus program helped riders cope with rising costs and also has contributed to bringing ridership. During the summer, the ParkConneCT and Connecticut Summer at the Museum programs are helping families by incentivizing travel to the state’s parks and offering free fairs to over 130 museums.

Update:

Connecticut extended its free bus transportation service until April 1 2023 as a critical service in fighting homelessness, unemployment and increased access to healthcare and human services.  This service continues to provide significant benefits to low- and moderate-income households who were negatively impacted by the pandemic. It has directly assisted residents and reversed declining use of public transportation as a result of the pandemic. Access to transportation has become a foundational element for students and those in the workforce. Approximately 1 in 4 students at Norwalk Community College rely on public transportation to get to their programs.   

Impact Testimony: Residents like Daisy Rodriguez of Hartford used to pay $63 for a 31 -day bus pass.  She said the money she saves can go towards the higher costs of groceries and other necessities. She noted that before the program began, “Sometimes you don’t have the money for the bus fare, and you have to walk.”

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Working to Expand Access to Rhode Island Public Transit for All Riders

Problem

High transportation expenses have added to linked socioeconomic barriers in many communities, preventing people from pursuing new opportunities. According to a survey conducted by the Community Service Society, 25% of people living in poverty stated they were frequently unable to afford transport fares. Furthermore, Latinx and Black people stated significant rates of transit hardship, with 28% having difficulty affording subway or bus fares.

Solution

Representative Leonela Felix introduced legislation for free fares for all riders on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority buses in an effort to combat climate change, expand the economy, and encourage racial justice. Felix proposes to use revenues from the gas tax and the Transportation and Climate Initiative. “One of the most significant barriers to equitable transportation, particularly for low-income families, is the cost,” added Representative Leonela Felix. “We know that low-income families and people of color use [public] transportation at least twice as much as white families.” This program still requires approval from state lawmakers and, if approved, would take effect in 2023.

 

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Equal Access in Public Transportation

Problem

The United States Environmental Protection Agency identified the transportation sector as one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and therefore, one of the largest contributors to climate change. 

The absence of public transportation in marginalized communities does not allow marginalized individuals to have equal access to economic opportunities, education, and healthcare resources. According to Talk Poverty, in general, individuals from marginalized groups have a lack of access to reliable transportation. Households that earn an annual income of less than $25,000 are virtually nine times as likely to not possess a personal vehicle. Furthermore, 14 percent of households of color do not owe a vehicle in comparison to 6 percent of white households. Additionally, immigrants, despite their race, are far less likely to possess a vehicle. 

Solution

Washington: Washington State Senator Marko Liias’ landmark transportation bill, Move Ahead Washington, was signed into law by Governor Inslee. This bill will direct more funding to non-highway transportation such as EV charging stations, hybrid-electric ferries, and free public transit fares for youth. Importantly, the bill contains strong equity provisions and requires at least 35% of the funding to be invested in overburdened and marginalized communities.

Transformational Transportation Future for Washington

Earlier this month, the Washington legislature passed NewDEAL Leader Senator Marko Liias’ $17 billion “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. The wide-reaching legislation, which evolved out of over 90 public listening sessions, includes money for highway construction, bridge repairs, transit programs, environmental safeguards, and full electrification of the state’s ferry fleet. Children will also ride free on buses, ferries, and trains as a result of the package. The package utilizes funding from multiple sources, including the federal government and revenue from the state’s new cap-and-trade system. “We’re investing in projects from rural to urban areas across our state,” Liias said. “And all without punting the cost to working families.” Read more here.

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