Download re: america`s future is riding on public transportation

RE: AMERICA’S FUTURE IS RIDING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
As a member of Voices for Public Transit, I want you to recognize the importance of public transportation to me, my
community, our state, and our nation. The far-reaching economic, employment, and community benefits of public
transportation make it critical that you reject President Trump’s proposed cuts to funding for public transit improvements
and expansion.
President Trump vowed to improve our nation’s infrastructure, grow our economy, and support American jobs. All of these
goals have wide bipartisan support in Congress. Yet, his proposed cuts to federal public transportation funding will take us
in the opposite direction.
Federal support for public transportation is a sound investment that creates jobs, spurs economic development, and reins
in the costs—both financial and human—of traffic congestion and pollution. Because public transportation connects
employers with workers and frees up road space so that freight can be trucked more efficiently, public transit projects are
supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. Every American benefits
from the economic boost provided by public transportation, even those who don’t use it personally.
Access to public transportation also helps lift individuals and families out of poverty—and thus out of dependence on
social programs—by providing better access to employment and educational opportunities. It would be an unconscionable
step backward for American mobility and economic opportunity to cut public transit funding.
The federal government has a long history of supporting all forms of transportation, including public transit. Public
transportation has strong bipartisan support among voters across the nation—and policies that support improved and
expanded public transit are an opportunity for you and your congressional colleagues to find common ground and unite
the nation.
In the face of President Trump’s proposal to cut the majority of—if not all—federal funding for public transportation, I
implore you to be a champion for this cornerstone of America’s transportation system and take a stand against this
dangerous change in decades of established federal policy. For America’s future, we must continue to invest in a strong,
interconnected, multi-modal transportation network.
I very much look forward to hearing about your leadership on this issue. For more information, I’ve enclosed a fact sheet,
“The Benefits of Public Transportation.” Thank you.