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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 9, 2021 03:07 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Martina A. White |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Capital Investment in Transit |
| Mass transit is an integral part of Pennsylvania as it provides invaluable transportation services to citizens across the Commonwealth and it is also a vital part of the state’s most productive regional economy. Due to the importance of mass transit, in the coming days I plan to introduce legislation that will aid SEPTA and others in obtaining a sustainable transit funding path through critical investments made possible by Act 89. My proposed legislation will begin a phased transition of transit capital funding obligations from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. Initiating the phased transition now will mitigate the state budget impact, slow the growth of Turnpike Commission debt, and provide bondable funding for long term transit investments such as infrastructure rehabilitation and vehicle replacements. The phased transition of transit capital funds from the Turnpike to the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax is not new, and this proposal received broad, bipartisan support during the 2019-20 Legislative Session. Transportation is not a cost; it is an investment that will accelerate recovery and promote economic growth. State and local solutions are needed to provide sustainable, bondable funding for public transit and local investment in projects of regional significance. I hope that you will consider co-sponsoring this legislation. |