Transportation Day 2014 is set for April 1, 2014 in Jefferson City. Please join us for a morning of meetings with key legislators at the state Capitol. We have heard from legislators that they do not think transit is a priority for people in Missouri because they are not hearing it is a priority. It is a PRIORITY for Missourians. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO ENSURE THE LEGISLATORS GET THE MESSAGE!
MoDOT is requesting $3.06 million for transit operations in the state this year. This request would return us to levels we have not seen in more than 3 years. Last year, 33 transit providers received little more than $1.06 million for transit operations. Considering Metro’s budget topped $250 million last year dividing little more than $1 million across the state is not enough. Based on 2011 per capita transit funding for the 50 states plus DC, Missouri ranked 40th at $.50 per capita. DC tops the list at $626.80 per capita, and our neighbors Illinois, Iowa and Kansas are higher as well at $102.80, $4.16 and $2.09 respectively. Let’s help move this funding forward!
In addition, there is much discussion going on about a possible one cent sales tax for transportation in Missouri through the initiative petition process. Do your legislators support transit? Will they support funding for transit? We are asking you to find out.
Several ways to help:
- Join us on April 1 in Jefferson City. Email mpta_org@earthlink.net with your name and address if you plan to attend. We are asking participants to set up meetings with key members of the Transportation and Appropriations committees.
- Breakfast for participants will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Members of the General Assembly will be invited as well.
- If you cannot attend, please email or call your local state representative and senator asking for their support for transit.
- Email or call members of the Transportation Committees and Appropriations Committees asking for their support on this request. http://www.house.mo.gov/
http://www.senate.mo.gov/
Click this link for the Legislative Priorities that you can download and email in follow-up to your discussions.
The following Case Statement has been developed for your use in talking to legislators about why funding for public transportation is so important. Please feel free to print the case statement and share it during your visits or include a link to it in your email. Case Statement (PDF)