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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna urges Corbett to lead on transportation solution
HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – Every day Pennsylvania waits to solve its transportation crisis, the bill rises by $1 million, and state Rep. Mike Hanna said that is unacceptable.
"Governor Tom Corbett has failed the people of Pennsylvania by ignoring his handpicked Transportation Funding Advisory Commission's report for more than a year. His lack of leadership on this issue means even fewer bridges will be repaired in the future, putting our economy and Pennsylvanians' safety at risk," Hanna said.
"The commonwealth faces a massive crisis with regard to fixing our crumbling roads, bridges and public transit systems. When will Governor Corbett finally propose a comprehensive plan to fix our ailing transportation network?"
Hanna said despite the fact that Corbett created a commission to study the transportation issue and develop recommendations in a 70-page report; he has put forth no plan based on those recommendations.
He said the upcoming fall legislative session is the perfect time to enact a transportation plan.
"Yes, we’ve heard the complaints from the governor that our transportation crisis didn’t happen overnight. But for nearly two years, this governor has blatantly ignored the safety and welfare of the people of this commonwealth.
"We need Governor Corbett to stand up and lead! We need him to put forth a reliable and comprehensive transportation funding plan that will create thousands of jobs for Pennsylvania workers, provide stability and reliability to our businesses and boost our overall economy. Governor Corbett’s inaction and lack of leadership on this issue is nothing short of irresponsible," he said.
Hanna said it’s worth noting that this is not a partisan issue. He said there is broad, bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to find a comprehensive solution to the state's pressing transportation needs.
In December, Hanna introduced legislation (H.B. 2099) that includes virtually all of the TFAC recommendations. His bill essentially mirrors a bill in the Senate (S.B. 4), introduced by Appropriations Committee Republican Chairman Jake Corman in November.
"We can see what this governor plainly can’t – that this crisis must be fixed and must be a priority. We in the General Assembly understand that Pennsylvania’s residents, motorists, businesses and taxpayers deserve a safe, modern and reliable transportation system – from our roads and bridges to mass transit.
"It’s long past time for Governor Corbett to stop sitting on his hands while our roads and bridges are reduced to rubble, and our transit systems are forced to make painful service cuts that disproportionately hurt seniors and our most vulnerable citizens.
"It’s long past time for this governor to stop being a spectator in our transportation crisis. It’s time for him to get in the game and call the plays. The people of Pennsylvania are tired of Governor Corbett’s excuses. They want him to do what he was elected to do – LEAD!" Hanna said.
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