[nfbwatlk] FW: TODAY: Last Shot to Support Transit Funding

Fri Mar 5 08:24:16 UTC 2010

<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ZVyj4TRc2PIt6MKu3zwOt
L1rWQPqewnX> 	

 Transportation Action
<http://media.whatcounts.com/onenw_transportationchoices/headline.gif> 

DON'T LET TRANSIT CUTS HAPPEN. URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT
AMENDMENTS TO SB 6774 NOW.

Right now the Legislature is considering amendments to
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=EccuxbeW4nMjr45Uzn9s3
b1rWQPqewnX> SB 6774 that would provide Community Transit, Pierce Transit
and King County Metro with a temporary funding source to stave off immediate
cuts in service due to budget shortfalls. This is our last chance to Save
Bus Service...please call the Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000) or click
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=70en3LQuFqzcvyEou%2Fg
lPGEfBnvAkVgk> here to urge your legislator to support amendments to SB 6774
and move it to the floor for a vote.   

Representatives Marko Liias (D-21), Geoff Simpson (D-47) and Steve Kirby
(D-29) have introduced Amendment
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=GHL2RpRSzx%2F801I481F
3er1rWQPqewnX> 1347, which gives temporary authority to Pierce Transit and
Community Transit to form a transportation benefit district to collect a
vehicle license fee to offset impending service cuts. This authority expires
on June 30, 2015. 

Likewise, Representatives Scott White (D-46) and Sharon Nelson (D-34) have
introduced Amendment
<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=wfBMLQLRJjQiTG%2Bvgnv
sdr1rWQPqewnX> 1400, which gives the same temporary authority for King
County Metro.

State contributions to transit account for less than 1 percent of overall
transportation spending. Most money for transit service comes from local
sources -- sales tax revenues that have dropped precipitously. It's going to
get worse for transit riders in Washington State if you don't act now. Save
Bus Service and urge your legislators to act now and support amendments to
SB 6774.

Here's how transit cuts could affect you:

*	King County Metro: In anticipation of a $213 million budget gap for
2010 and 2011, Metro has used reserves and raised fares, cancelled all
capital projects for the next 4 years, and streamlined scheduling and
routing to prevent service cuts; They are facing additional budget gaps in
2012 and 2013 so if no new revenue is found, they will have no choice but to
cut service.

*	Community Transit: Snohomish County anticipates a $180 million loss
of sales tax revenue through 2013. The agency is now forced to cut service a
total of 15%, which will include the elimination of all Sunday service as
well as other changes in service across the county. 

*	Pierce Transit: Eliminated $5.7 million in expenditures in 2008 and
$14.5 million in 2009 to fill a $17.5 million hole. If no new revenue is
raised by 2012, they will be forced to cut service by up to 57%. 

<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=eTV2mqLeWNQlYrY2xwzb8
L1rWQPqewnX> URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES to bring up for a vote and support
Amendments 1347 and 1400 to SB 6774. Act NOW and Help Save Bus Service.

Jennifer Olegario
Development and Outreach Associate
Transportation Choices Coalition
811 1st Avenue, Suite 626
Seattle, WA98104
Phone: 206.329.2336
Fax: 206.329.2705

<http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=AtmlnFyoSjSF6cxTytvCh
r1rWQPqewnX> www.transportationchoices.org 

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