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Spending limits would starve struggling transit systems!
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Proposed Constitutional Amendment to limit spending
Members of the House of Representatives and Senate and groups like the Taxpayers League are promoting the passage of a Constitutional Amendment that would limit state and local spending increases to the rate of inflation plus population growth or property valuation increases. For services like transit that have suffered through recent budget cuts and are years behind in meeting demand, limiting spending increases would be disastrous. Bus systems struggle to provide adequate service in the face of fuel price increases, and health care cost increases that are often higher than the rate of inflation. Our transit systems would remain woefully inadequate under this proposal, leading to increased congestion and pollution while talking away people's options for mobility.
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Governor
Your State Representative
Your State Senator
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State and local spending limits will further reduce transit services.
Dear Governor,
I am a taxpayer and I am writing to urge you to oppose legislation that would place a Constitutional Amendment on the ballot limiting increases in state and local spending to the rate of inflation plus population growth or property value increases. This kind of policy limits our options and does not take into account the real needs that exist for important services.
As a bus rider, I am particularly concerned about the impact of this policy on transit services. Transit service has been reduced and fares increased as part of the solution to balancing the state's budget. To limit spending increases in an area like transit means that transit budgets may not be able to be restored to previous levels and will perpetually struggle to meet the demand for service. Funding and service levels should be adequate to meet the needs that Minnesota residents have for mobility so they can get to work, remain independent and participate in their communities. Without a greater investment in transit, congestion and traffic crashes will increase as people are left with few options to driving. This will result in greater costs to taxpayers.
Again, I urge you to oppose any legislation limiting state and local spending to the rate of inflation. We need the flexibility to "catch up" in areas that are not being adequately funded now. Transit budgets have been cut three years in a row. We need that funding restored and artificial limits will prevent the kind of cost-effective investment in transit that is badly needed in Minnesota.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your name and address here
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This Action Alert Campaign is Closed.
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