A group of 45 business and labor organizations gathered in the Capitol Tuesday afternoon to call on Governor Tom Corbett and members of the General Assembly to pass a transportation and transit funding plan.
In an open letter to the governor signed by 70 business and labor leaders, the group stated its support for a transportation and transit funding plan that is comprehensive in addressing all modes of transportation, is adequate to address aging infrastructure and is sustainable for years to come.
Calling transportation investment a core function of government, they also said an appropriate transportation funding plan will lead to jobs and create tangible assets that will lead to new jobs and investment in the future.
The group’s call to action cited new weight restrictions on bridges, the loss of competitive jobs projects, cut backs in public transportation systems and the personal expense individuals incur due to wear and tear on vehicles driving in traffic and on roads in disrepair as reasons for legislation to pass this fall.
SB 1 passed the Senate on June 5 with bi-partisan support by a vote of 45-5. The bill was amended by the House Transportation Committee to revise the Senate-passed funding, and is currently on second consideration on the House Calendar.