Legislative Corner

TCC’s 2012 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Washington is facing a $1.52 billion deficit shortfall in the operating budget, and decision makers are trying to navigate how to stay in the black and preserve essential public services at the same time.  It is a difficult time, but legislators must not overlook transportation revenue and policy this session.  Transportation is the mainstay of our economy; communities and businesses depend on a network that provides reliable, safe, healthy and efficient choices.

The State must reset the State’s priorities, and we will provide a voice in Olympia for those that believe that transportation infrastructure and public transportation is part of the solution to our current economic crisis, and must be protected. Public transit is critical to our State.  It eases congestion for commerce, and it provides a critical lifeline to transit dependent and working folks around the state. We will fight for new revenue to restore and expand transit service, replace failing bridges and roads, and grow vibrant and healthy communities.  We will support balanced transportation funding through many potential channels; redirection of transportation spending to support public transportation, a multi-year investment package, a package of fees, or through local funding options for transit and local governments.

TCC is also advancing critical transportation policies to make communities safer and healthier, to expand transportation choices, and reduce climate pollution. The following policies are low or no cost policies that can actually save people and governments money, and can attract new and innovative companies to Washington.

Safe and Flexible Street Design (HB1700) - Allows flexibility for cities, counties and developers to use updated guidelines for designing for bike and pedestrian uses, to increase safety and reduce costs of projects.

Transportation Goal of Public Health (Rep. Billig) - Adds health to Washington’s six transportation goals to integrate health in transportation policy, planning and investments, in order to reduce chronic diseases, reduce motor-vehicle-related injury and deaths, and ensuring transportation access for all people.

Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill (HB1217) - Provides cities and counties the authority to establish 20 mph zones on some non-arterial streets to lower accident rates and protect vulnerable users. The chances of dying from a collision with a car at 20 miles per hour are 5% compared to the 45% chance of death in a similar impact at 30 miles per hour.

Peer to Peer Car Sharing (Rep. Hudgins) - Removes barriers to peer to peer car sharing (P2P), clearing the way for more pioneering companies to set up shop in Washington. P2P car sharing empowers people to travel more efficiently and cause a shift from personal to shared transport. It can trim emissions, traffic accidents, fuel costs, need for costly parking, while it generates income for car owners, and stimulates the local economy.

Mileage Based Insurance (Rep. Ryu) - Promotes insurance policies that base premiums on miles driven. This policy offers the opportunity to improve the accuracy of auto insurance ratings which is fairer and more economically efficient. If done right, mileage based insurance can provide a direct incentive to drive less and chose additional transportation choices.

Please contact Carrie Dolwick, Policy Director at Carrie@transportationchoices.org for more information or questions.