| Issue 286 | September 18, 2000 |
A
bi-partisan group of business and labor leaders, politicians, and environmentalists
launched a major 'get-out-the-vote' campaign to renew the Transportation
Trust Fund at the Trenton Statehouse last Thursday. In the month and half
leading up to the November vote, the "Keep New Jersey Moving" Coalition
will spread the message in print, radio, television and the internet that
dedicating existing gas and sales tax monies to the Fund is the best way
to ensure a balanced system of safe and efficient roads, bridges, and transit.
Governor Christie Whitman, Senate President Donald DiFrancesco, Assembly Speaker Jack Collins, Senate Minority Leader Richard Codey, and Assembly Transportation Chairman Alex DeCroce all spoke, asking voters to approve the dedication. Governor Whitman noted that by legislative mandate the new money would build 1,000 miles of cyclist and pedestrian paths and Senator Codey lauded the TTF's new 'fix-it-first' directive that requires funds to be used to repair roads and bridges before new highways are built. Environmental groups and cycling advocates led by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign pushed hard to insert both these measures into the TTF renewal bill signed into law in July (MTR # 268, 275)
"The new law gives motorists, transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists a responsible transportation spending program that will help preserve cities, cut traffic, improve safety, and save open space," said Janine Bauer, Executive Director of the Campaign.
Other members of the Keep New Jersey Moving Coalition include the AAA, the NJ Alliance for Action, and the NJ Council. The launch was reported in the Star Ledger, Trenton Times, the Associated Press and Gannett Wire Services, as well as by the state's major radio, and television stations. Voters can call the Coalition at 732-225-1180 or visit the website at www.keepnewjerseymoving.com
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