The Missouri 2022 Legislative Session got underway on Janurary 5. Several topics are expected to garner significant attention during this session. The two priorities expected to gain the most attention in the early days of session include redistricting and the budget, including how to spend federal emergency aid. Citizens for Modern Transit will be advocating strongly for the MoDOT request of $8 million for public transit. This appropriation is more important than ever with the passage of the Infrustructure Investment and Jobs Act which increases funding for public transit in the first year by 30 percent.
The Show-Me State ranks 45th in the nation with regards to transit investment. For the last four years, Missouri has only allocated $1.7 million in local funding for transit and that total is split between 34 transit providers. Any federal funding support for transit operations requires a 50:50 match, and capital programs need an 80:20 match. Missouri transit providers have worked diligently to identify local funding sources through sales tax, private contracts and more, but the most significant missing link in the formula is the lack of state funding.
CMT is asking transit riders, members and friends from across the state to weigh in on the importance of state investment in public transit.
House Transportation Committee
Representative Jeff Porter (R-Montgomery City) replaces former Representative Becky Ruth as Chair on the House Transportation Committee. Representative Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway will serve as Vice-Chair of the committee. The House Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold its regular meetings at 6 pm (or upon adjournment) on Tuesdays in House Hearing Room 1. The following representatives have also been named to the committee:
- Representative Jeff Porter, Chair (R-Montgomery City)
- Representative Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, Vice-Chair (R-Festus)
- Representative Steve Butz, Ranking Minority Member (D-St. Louis)
- Representative Gretchen Bangert (D-Florissant)
- Representative Bob Bromley (R-Carl Junction)
- Representative Jamie Burger (R-Benton)
- Representative Danny Busick (R-Newton)
- Representative Josh Hulbert (R-Smithville)
- Representative Jay Mosley (D-Florissant)
- Representative Barbara Phifer (D-St. Louis)
- Representative Sean Pouche (R-Kansas City)
- Representative Randy Railsback (R-Hamilton)
- Representative Neil Smith (D-St. Louis)
- Representative Tim Taylor (R-Bunceton)