Transportation Day 2014 is set for Feb. 4, 2014 in Jefferson City. I hope you will consider joining us in our efforts by attending this morning of meetings with key legislators at the state Capitol. We have heard from legislators that they do no think transit is a priority for people in Missouri because they are not hearing it is a priority. WE THINK IT IS A PRIORITY for individuals, businesses and the region. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO ENSURE THE LEGISLATORS GET THE MESSAGE!
MoDOT is requesting $3.06 million for transit operations in the state this year. This request would return us to levels we have not seen in more than 3 years. Last year, 33 transit providers received little more than $1.06 million for transit operations. Considering Metro’s budget topped $250 million last year dividing little more than $1 million across the state is not enough.
State funding is necessary to maintain and expand transit service in Missouri. However, Missouri ranks 36th in funding for public transit nationally, with 34 states and the District of Columbia ahead of Missouri.
In the Midwestern 9-state region that includes Missouri and its bordering states, Missouri ranks 7th in total transit funding followed only by Nebraska and Kentucky. Between 2007 and 2011 (the most recent data available), Missouri had dropped from 4th place and has seen a 127% decrease in transit investment at a time when the demand for public transportation is greater than ever. So, while two-thirds of the states in our region have sustained or increased funding, Missouri drastically decreased its investment.
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Transit Funding: Missouri & Surrounding States Total Funding 2007 compared to 2011 |
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|
2007 |
2011 |
% Change |
|
|
Arkansas |
$3,277,637 |
$3,250,078 |
-0.8% |
|
Illinois |
$489,200,000 |
$1,323,000,000 |
170% |
|
Iowa |
$10,842,863 |
$12,744,547 |
14.9% |
|
Kansas |
$6,000,000 |
$6,000,000 |
0.0% |
|
Kentucky |
$1,700,000 |
$1,472,766 |
-15.4% |
|
Missouri |
$6,800,000 |
$2,993,658 |
-55% |
|
Nebraska |
$1,500,000 |
$2,900,000 |
48.3% |
|
Oklahoma |
$3,250,000 |
$5,750,000 |
43.5% |
|
Tennessee |
$38,050,000 |
$44,349,000 |
14.2% |
In addition, there is much discussion going on about a possible one cent sales tax for transportation in Missouri through the initiative petition process. Do you legislators support transit? Will they support funding for transit? We are asking you to find out. St. Louis has several transit projects on the table including a new light rail station, Bus Rapid Transit, streetcars and trolleys. State funding could help fill the funding gap on these projects.
Several ways to help:
- Join us on Feb. 4 in Jefferson City. Email info@cmt-stl.org with your name and address if you plan on attending. We are asking participants to set up meetings with key members of the Transportation and Appropriations committees.
- Breakfast for participants will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in Hearing Room 7 at the Capitol. All legislators will be invited as well.
- If you can not attend, please email or call your local state representative and senator asking for their support for transit.
- Email or Call members of the Transportation Committees and Appropriations Committees asking for their support on this request. http://www.house.mo.gov/
http://www.senate.mo.gov/ - Please contact these key legislators in addition:
John Diehl, MO House District 89
201 W Capitol Ave, Room 309
Jefferson City, MO 65101
John.diehl@house.mo.gov
Timothy Jones, MO Speaker of the House District 110
201 W Capitol Ave, Room 302A
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Tim.jones@house.mo.gov
Eric Schmitt, MO Senate District 15
201 W Capitol Ave, Room 323
Jefferson City, MO 65101
eschmitt@senate.mo.gov
For further information on the Missouri Senate or to find your Senator, please visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/
The event is free to attend, however, transportation is on your own. Please RSVP to info@cmt-stl.org if you would like to join us. Please include your mailing address and your representatives names in the email if you know them.
Amtrak service is an option to Jefferson City. The schedule and fares are available at http://www.amtrak.com/.