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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| Pa. House Democratic Caucus
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House Democratic leaders urge governor to make transportation top priority
Attacking unmet transportation needs also is tool for job growth
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – With unemployment shooting upward across Pennsylvania, state House Democratic leaders called for Gov. Tom Corbett to end his inaction and support a long-term, comprehensive plan to address the state's crumbling roads, bridges and mass transit systems.
The seven-member House Democratic Caucus leadership team wrote to Corbett on Wednesday, urging him to recognize the transportation crisis facing Pennsylvania, and to act swiftly to address it.
"Governor, the time has come for you to produce your plan for a long-term, comprehensive and sustainable transportation funding solution," wrote the Democratic leaders. "We urge you to send the General Assembly your transportation funding plan as soon as possible. We cannot afford half-measures, nor can we afford to wait for yet another commission to study the issue."
It has been two months since Corbett's own Transportation Funding Advisory Commission issued its report to him, but the governor has observed 60 days of silence regarding the panel’s recommendations. During that same period, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate rose from 7.6 percent to 8.2 percent.
Democratic leaders said the recent flooding caused by the remnants of two tropical storms did more than just displace thousands of Pennsylvanians from their homes and businesses. It also put more people out of work and worsened the already dire condition of Pennsylvania roads, bridges and transit systems.
"With a nation-leading 5,200 structurally deficient state-maintained bridges and more than 7,000 miles of state-maintained roads in ‘very poor’ condition, we didn't need a wake-up call to tell us that Pennsylvania's transportation system is in dire straits," the Democratic leaders wrote. "Nevertheless, we got one."
Despite that wake-up call, the House Democrats noted that Corbett has yet to offer any solutions to Pennsylvania's transportation crisis and his transportation secretary this week said the governor may defer action indefinitely. With only 24 legislative session days currently scheduled before the end of 2011, time is running short to get a solution accomplished this year.
The House Democratic leaders asked Corbett to reorganize his legislative agenda to make solving the transportation crisis No. 1 on his priority list.
"We ask you to fight for Pennsylvania's future by putting forth a plan that invests in the safety and long-term viability of our roads, bridges and mass transit systems – the very backbone of our economy – and will create and retain thousands of jobs for Pennsylvania workers," they wrote.
"We urge you, Governor: Act now to save Pennsylvania's roads, bridges and transit systems. Send a long-term, comprehensive plan to the General Assembly swiftly, so we can act on this critical issue this fall.
"It's time to put Pennsylvania first."
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Editor's Note: See attached letter from the Pennsylvania House Democratic leadership to Governor Tom Corbett regarding Pennsylvania's transportation crisis.
September 28, 2011
The Honorable Tom Corbett
Governor
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Governor Corbett:
We watched with sadness and dismay as dozens of communities throughout Central and Eastern Pennsylvania were inundated by flood waters from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. And now we all swell with pride, as we've watched the strength and resilience of our fellow Pennsylvanians – working together to rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives.
Thousands of Pennsylvanians are still unable to return to their homes. For thousands of others who were able to return, they found their homes mud-covered, flood-ravaged and, in some cases, destroyed. But ask them how they plan to respond to this tragedy, and you'll hear the same refrain: "We will rebuild."
These flood-weary residents are a testament to the indomitable spirit that has defined Pennsylvanians for centuries. And it is now time for their state government to show that same spirit of dogged determination and fearless optimism.
It is time that we say together: "We will rebuild Pennsylvania."
This historic flood has done more than just destroy homes and displace tens of thousands of residents. It has also revealed, once again, the urgent need for Pennsylvania to enact a long-term, comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding plan that ensures the safety of our residents and motorists and provides a foundation for economic growth and job creation.
With a nation-leading 5,200 structurally deficient state-maintained bridges and more than 7,000 miles of state-maintained roads in "very poor" condition, we didn't need a wake-up call to tell us that Pennsylvania's transportation system is in dire straits. Nevertheless, we got one.
We have full confidence that you will work cooperatively with President Barack Obama to ensure Pennsylvania receives considerable aid from the federal government to help rebuild from the flood. But Pennsylvania needs more than just a flood recovery plan. We need a long-term, comprehensive transportation infrastructure investment plan that includes stable and reliable funding for our roads, bridges and mass transit systems.
It's been nearly two months since your Transportation Funding Advisory Commission issued its report and recommendations – a plan that envisions a "decade of investment" and will begin to bring Pennsylvania's transportation network to a safe and reliable level.
Governor, the time has come for you to produce your plan for a long-term, comprehensive and sustainable transportation funding solution. We urge you to send the General Assembly your transportation funding plan as soon as possible. We cannot afford half-measures, nor can we afford to wait for yet another commission to study the issue.
We respectfully ask that you re-prioritize your agenda this fall by placing the safety of the people of Pennsylvania – and the economic stability of the entire Commonwealth – first on your list of priorities. We ask you to fight for Pennsylvania's future by putting forth a plan that invests in the safety and long-term viability of our roads, bridges and mass transit systems – the very backbone of our economy – and will create and retain thousands of jobs for Pennsylvania workers.
We urge you, Governor: Act now to save Pennsylvania's roads, bridges and transit systems. Send a long-term, comprehensive plan to the General Assembly swiftly, so we can act on this critical issue this fall.
It's time to put Pennsylvania first.
Sincerely,
Rep. Frank Dermody
Rep. Mike Hanna
Rep. Dan Frankel
Rep. Jennifer Mann
Rep. Ron Buxton
Rep. Mike Sturla
Rep. Joseph Markosek