New Coalition Applauds President’s Call for Transportation Investment

Economic Justice News 01.31,11

A new coalition dedicated to increasing and improving transportation options for all Americans – particularly those in minority and low-income communities – is applauding President Obama for highlighting the need to invest in transportation to help rebuild America during his State of the Union address last Tuesday.

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A new coalition dedicated to increasing and improving
transportation options for all Americans – particularly those in minority and
low-income communities – is applauding President Obama for highlighting the
need to invest in transportation to help rebuild America during his State of
the Union address last Tuesday.

In a speech built on the theme “Winning the Future,” the
president said repairing roads and bridges and making other infrastructure
investments “will make America a better place to do business and create
jobs.”

In a statement, the Equity Caucus at Transportation for America,
which includes The Leadership Conference, noted that “inadequate, outdated, and
underfunded transportation systems are keeping too many struggling Americans —
young and old, rural and urban — from fully connecting and contributing to the
national economy.” The Equity Caucus is a broad coalition of civil rights,
community development, faith-based, health, housing, labor, environmental,
tribal, and transportation organizations promoting the need for racial and
class equity in transportation access.

With Congress expected to take up a major surface transportation
bill this year, the Equity Caucus recommended that it include investments that:

  • Create affordable and flexible transportation options for
    everyone, regardless of income, race, age, disability, or background;
  • Create, protect, and ensure fair access to quality jobs,
    training, and contracting opportunities in the transportation industry;
  • Promote healthy, safe, and inclusive communities with
    housing opportunities for families of all incomes; and,
  • Encourage fair and transparent investment dollars invested
    in transportation.

“By investing in transportation projects, America can get people
back to work now, lay a strong foundation for future economic growth, and
expand opportunity for millions of people. But we must target our investments
equitably to the people and places that need them most,” the Equity Caucus
said.

Read the full statement here.