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Proposed cuts to transit resources
You can take action on this alert by reading the information below and following the
directions at the bottom.
General fund cuts and bonding reductions
Transit Cuts:
The Governor is proposing to cut the 2009 general fund appropriation to Metro Transit by $30 million. This cut is nearly 10 percent of the metro transit budget, and is asking transit to take a much greater share of the cuts than any other state program. These cuts would likely mean cuts in service or fare increases.
Bonding Bill:
The Governor’s pressure for a smaller bonding bill is causing concern about possible reductions in transit bonding. Transit still needs the proposed $105 million to keep projects moving forward, including the Central Corridor light rail transit line and new bus lanes in downtown Minneapolis. Without this bond funding, the 35W busway project will be lost and the Central Corridor will be delayed for at least one year. The new sales tax will simply not generate enough money in 2009 to keep these capital projects moving forward.
Your message will be sent to each of the following targets:
Your State Representative
Your State Senator
A sample message appears below, which you may edit before sending.
Protect bus serviceand transit projects!
Dear Representative,
Please continue to support transit by protecting Metro Transit funds for buses and transit projects in the bonding bill. Please let House and Senate leadership know that your constituents support transit!
Minnesotans need alternatives to driving, especially with gas prices rising and ridership at an all-time high. Metro Transit counted 77 million rides in 2007, and park and ride lots are filled to capacity. Why would we provide less service when we need more service?
Everyone in my community deserves the opportunity to get where they are going. Buses provide access to all residents, but especially those who can't drive: youth and elders, people without cars, and people with disabilities.
I want Minnesota to have a healthy economy and healthy environment. Transit provides economic and environmental benefits. Less money spent on gas means more money staying here in our economy. Buses and trains take people off the road, improving air and water quality!
Finally -- we need to invest in transit projects now to be ready for increased population in Minnesota. We can't afford to wait! Your name and address here
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This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.
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