Rell's Budget Heavy on Transportation,
But Not Sprawl
Improving the state’s lagging transportation system
was a focus of Governor Rell’s budget proposal
last week. Outlining an ambitious transportation plan,
she said "We have talked about transportation long
enough. It is time to deliver for the passengers and
drivers of Connecticut."
NY Coalition: "Fund Highways
and Transit!"
Last week, the Empire State Transportation Alliance (ESTA),
a coalition of business, transportation, labor, and environmental
groups, joined former MTA and DOT commissioners in Grand
Central to urge state leaders to fully fund the MTA’s
2005-2009 capital program and provide adequate funding
for road and highway projects.
NJ Transit Fare Hike Hearings Begin
Don’t miss your chance to tell elected officials
to stop hiking fares on NJ Transit riders, and start
finding a source of dedicated funds that NJ Transit can
count on every year.
Support Grows for Higher NJ Gas Tax
"Increase New Jersey’s gas tax," was
the consensus in New Jersey last week. At an Alliance
for Action forum focused on refueling the Transportation
Trust Fund, which will zero out in 2006, Assemblyman
John Wisniewski, Assembly Transportation Committee Chair,
the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association,
and AAA New Jersey expressed support.
Bush Budget Provides Funds for NYC Projects
The Bush Administration released its $2.57 trillion 2006
Budget last week. The budget slashes a range of domestic
programs from home heating assistance to Medicaid to
student loans. But surface transportation programs make
out fairly well, with the Federal Highway Administration
enjoying a 2.9 percent increase over estimated 2005 levels,
and the Federal Transit Administration budget also potentially
growing.
Transit Benefit for Nassau Employees
Nassau County is looking for a company to run its Commuter
Benefits Program. The program, known as TransitChek for
NYC employees, allows employees to purchase transit passes
with pre-tax income, potentially saving them hundreds
of dollars year.
New NJ Smart Growth Appointee
Patrick M. Gillespie, the deputy director of the NJ Senate
Democrats, will serve as state’s next smart-growth
ombudsman, the Governor’s office announced last
Tuesday.
