Time for Action on the Reauthorization of the Transportation Bill is NOW!
May, 2005
APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living) writes:
The House of Representatives has passed a $284 billion highway and transit bill called TEA-LU and the Senate has now passed its version funded at $295 billion. While neither Bill on its own is ideal for our rural constituents, both have elements that we need to advocate for as the Bill moves forward into Conference Committee. Both bills significantly increase funding for Section 5310 (elderly and persons with disabilities) and Section 5311 (rural) programs.
The House and the Senate bills are very similar to the bills passed by both houses of Congress last year. However, they differ in two major areas which impact people with disabilities who live in rural areas.
The New Freedom Initiative as a separately funded program was included in the House Bill, but folded into the Section 5310 program in the Senate version. The New Freedom program is critical to expanding transportation options for people with disabilities in rural America. Not only does it go beyond what is required by the ADA, it significantly increases the overall funding levels for transportation for people with disabilities.
The House bill enables states to use both 5310 funds and New Freedom funds for operating assistance. In the Senate bill funds may not be used for operating assistance in the merged 5310/New Freedom program.
While the Senate has remained steadfast in its position to keep New Freedom in its diluted form, within the larger 5310 Program, and operating assistance out of it, members of the House are committed to keeping New Freedom a stand alone program and operating assistance available in both programs. Representatives Don Young (R-AK) and James L. Oberstar (D-MN) are the leaders of the Transportation Committee and are largely responsible for the inclusion of both the New Freedom Initiative and operating assistance for both New Freedom and 5310 programs. As leaders of the Transportation Committee they will be responsible for the negotiations with the Senate in the Conference Committee. As the House and Senate begin to negotiate, each side will have to yield on certain issues and we want both New Freedom and operating assistance to remain in the final Reauthorization package.
What Can You Do NOW?
At this point, we ask that you send a FAX to both Rep. Young and Rep. Oberstar and thank them for including and championing New Freedom and operating assistance in the House bill. Implore them to fight for these two issues as the House and Senate begin their work in the Conference committee. (SEE ATTACHMENT FOR SAMPLE LETTER)
Contact Info:
Representative Don Young - FAX # 202-225-0425
Representative James Oberstar - FAX# 202-225-0699
May 18, 2005
Dear Representative Young / Oberstar:
INTRODUCE YOURSELF HERE OR LATER
Thank you for your leadership role in the development of TEA-LU. We are indebted to you for advancing transportation issues for people with disabilities. As you know, there is a tremendous unmet need for transportation services for people with disabilities in rural America. We were especially pleased that you included the New Freedom initiative for people with disabilities and that you supported the use of both 5310 and New Freedom funds for operating expenses.
We ask that you continue the fight for the following two issues as the legislation moves to the Conference Committee:
Please maintain and fund the New Freedom Initiative as a separate program. As you know New Freedom is designed to eliminate a myriad of barriers faced by people with disabilities. This program will enable us to move beyond the minimum requirements of the ADA, especially in rural areas. It will enable both rural and urban counties throughout America to develop innovative and cost effective transportation options for people with disabilities that would not be possible without the New Freedom program.
Please allow states more flexibility in their use of both New Freedom and Section 5310 funds by allowing these funds to be utilized for operating expenses as well as capital expenditures. This change, would make these programs consistent with other federal transportation programs and would allow nonprofits to not only obtain new vans and busses but to ensure that they are operational with funding available to pay for preventative maintenance, insurance, gasoline, and driver salaries.
Finding the necessary transportation is difficult for most people with disabilities, particularly people who live in rural communities where destinations are too far to walk and public transit is either non-existent or very limited. Private transportation, if available, is limited and often prohibitively expensive. Many people with disabilities are reluctant to rely on friends and family even for their most essential transportation needs - access to jobs, health and social services - and the result is often increased isolation, continued high rates of unemployment, deterioration in health and quality of life. Transportation is essential for people to maintain their independence and fully participate in their communities.
Thank you very much for your support in these issues, and we look forward to your continued leadership in providing transportation options for people with disabilities in rural America.
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