House to take up proposed transportation sales tax upon return to session

As members of CMT and friends of transit,  I am hoping you will consider dropping a note to members of the House Transportation Committee on the importance of ensuring the proposed sales tax package includes the critical funding necessary for public transit.   Below is a draft letter/email and the list of committee members’ emails:

Dear  XXX:

Transportation is the key to moving Missouri forward.  Next week, Senate bill SJR 16, the proposed one-cent sales tax for transportation in Missouri, will move to the House.  I am writing to voice support for a funding package that includes critical funding for public transit.  Funding for public transit projects and other multi-modal projects must be included to move Missouri forward.

Last year Missouri transportation providers received little more than $500,000. This year the Governor recommended the same levels for public transit across the state.  Transit is the key to putting Missouri back on track!  The facts show investment in transit creates jobs.  Research has shown that every dollar invested in transit projects has a $4 return according to the America Public Transit Association.  There are few investments at this time that can yield a 400% return. 

The current level of state support for transit is inadequate.  The State of Missouri ranks near the bottom of the list (45^th) for funding of public transit.  Local funding has hit a ceiling in many areas. In order to compete for federal dollars to put our economy back on track, Missouri must make transit a priority through support and funding.  In St. Louis alone, more than 75 percent of the 223,000 daily boardings on transit are for the work commute.  Transit creates, maintains, and sustains JOBS that Missouri cannot afford to lose!

In addition, with an aging population in Missouri of residents 65 years or older, transit is the answer to meeting the needs of our seniors and disabled residents. Transit increases accessibility, connects them to their communities, and keeps them active and healthy in both our urban and rural areas. 

I urge you to support a transportation funding package that includes an assurance that public transit projects/priorities will be funded. I also encourage you to look at ways to go beyond this funding package to make public transit a priority for Missouri.

Sincerely,