There is an historic opportunity this year for the first-ever dedicated state funding for biking and walking. But it is a bumpy road that could use your help. If it doesn't get done this year, it honestly may not get done because of elections coming next year.
What's happening?
In short, it is messy! The Senate has passed a comprehensive transportation finance bill through two committees; it is awaiting a vote in the Tax Committee this week. It includes a dedication for at least $10 million a year for biking and walking projects in the Twin Cities from a regional sales tax increase dedicated to transit, biking, and walking. There is also the first state funding for Safe Routes to School--a program that supports more safe options for kids to walk and bike to school. Road funding is also included in the bill, which is critical for a statewide package.
Over in the House, today (April 24), they will hear a transportation funding bill that does not include new funding. It is expected to pass, although many members are very concerned that it does not include new funding and want to get a bill done this year.
There are about 4 weeks left of the legislative session, which is plenty of time to find a solution for a comprehensive transportation bill that includes biking funding. But Legislators need to hear from constituents that the want to get this done this year.
For more info, check out Transit for Stronger Economy: http://www.transit4mn.org/
Talk to transit riders with Mayor Rybak
Join Mayor Rybak and his staff who will be out talking to downtown transit riders encouraging them to contact their legislator. It's a fun and easy way to make a big difference.
Thursday, April 25 at 4pm; meet at the LRT enterance to City Hall
Contact Governor Dayton and your Legislators
Governor Dayton: 651-201-3400 or 1-800-657-3717 (or fill out this online form)
Message: Thank you for your great leadership on sales tax funding for Twin Cities transit! I hope that you will support a comprehensive transportation package this year that also includes funding for roads, bridges, biking, and walking.
Your Legislators
Find your legislators here or use this easy contact form from Transit for Livable Communities
Message: I strongly support new transportation funding this year to support needed investments in transit, biking, walking, roads, and bridges. Please do what you can to get transportation funding done this year.
Please note that not every Minneapolis legislator is supportive. Please do not take your legislator for granted--contact them! We need every Minneapolis legislator to be supportive and champion this.
