2007 special legislative session and transit funding
10/19/07
The Maryland General Assembly has been called into special session on October 29 to vote on new revenues. Governor O'Malley has proposed to raise $400 million in new transportation revenues. Most of these funds would go for highway maintenance; the plan doesn't bring in enough money to build new rail projects like the Purple Line and Rail on the Wilson Bridge. And Metro fares would continue to go up while the gasoline tax remains unchanged.
Write to your legislators now and tell them to insist on funding for the Rail on the Wilson Bridge and/or Purple Line. Some key points that you can make: *Our legislators should not vote for any new transportation revenues unless there is a firm commitment to build new rail transit lines in the Washington suburbs. *Since 1993, Metro fares have been raised three times and are about to be raised again, while there has not been a single increase in the gasoline tax. (Car registration fees have been raised, but all car owners pay the same fee whether they drive to work or take Metro.) It’s unfair to single out transit riders for higher fees when costs of all forms of transportation have increased. *The last administration shifted funding away from transit and toward roads. The balance needs to be restored by using new revenues primarily for transit. Add your own reasons why we need rail on the Wilson Bridge, the Purple Line, and/or other transit improvements. Click here to determine who represents you in the General Assembly. Click here to contact your General Assembly legislators.