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Don't Cut Transit . . . Again
You can take action on this alert by reading the information below and following the
directions at the bottom.
Governor Pawlenty's Plan to Cut Transit Funding
Governor Pawlenty’s short-term budget bill proposes to cut $4.7 million in transit funding – including $2.6 million from Metro Transit. This is the third cut to transit funding in three years – and transit investment in our region is already only half the level of regions of similar size When Governor Pawlenty and the legislature address our states’ $5 billion deficit, the cuts to transit could be much higher. Nevertheless, the Governor plans on borrowing $1 billion to speed up highway expansion projects and use the cuts to transit and Highway Helper to pay the bond interest.
Cuts to transit funding will mean route cuts, service reductions, and possibly another fare increase. Another fare increase could mean that Twin Cities’ bus riders pay some of the nation’s highest fares for a regional transit system that is one of the smallest. As transit service is cut and fares increase, ridership will drop, forcing more cars onto already congested roads and highways.
Cuts to transit impact people’s lives. Those who cannot drive will find it difficult or impossible to get to jobs, medical appointments, the grocery store and other destinations.
Your message will be sent to each of the following targets:
Governor
Your State Representative
Your State Senator
A sample message appears below, which you may edit before sending.
Don't Cut Transit . . . Again!
Dear Governor,
Please vote against proposals to cut funding for transit.
Public transit is important to me. I ride the bus and depend on this service. I am concerned about possible cuts to routes, service frequency, and having to pay even higher fares.
Transit has already been cut three times in the last three years, including a permanent $2.7 million cut last year. Even before these cuts, our region invested far less in transit than other regions of similar size.
It is especially unfair to cut bus service to pay for additional highway expansion and it does not make economic sense. Expanded transit is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce traffic congestion as other cities well understand.
A strong transit system is good for families and employers. It gives people choices in how they get around, it helps employees get to work safely and on time, and it saves companies’ money on expensive employee parking.
Your name and address here
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This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.
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