WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Liias cheers community leaders’ push for local transit funding bill

Legislation to provide tools for cities and counties to invest in transit needs received a boost today from a coalition of community leaders.  The group’s letter, organized by Transportation for Washington, explains why passing the local transportation revenue options legislation, Senate Bill 6582, is important for transit in their communities.

Rep. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, hopes their message is received in time to pass legislation this special session.  The governor’s special session proclamation included local transportation revenue options in the list of issues to consider by the Legislature.

“My colleagues in the Legislature would be wise to heed the advice of this coalition of leaders from around the state,” Liias said. “Their letter clearly states the massive transportation needs our cities and counties have, not just to meet growth, but to just maintain disintegrating infrastructure and gutted transit service.  This local options bill will help ensure they don’t backtrack on investments, keep their roads and transit strong, and move us through our economic recovery.”

A few local tools are included in the legislation.  King County would be able to ask voters for up to a one-percent motor-vehicle excise tax (MVET) for transportation, and Clark, Spokane, Snohomish and Pierce counties are allowed to set up transportation benefit districts to ask voters for a one-percent MVET for transit.  Also for counties, a local gas tax option already on the books would be clarified from a percentage increase by vote, to a straight one, two or three-cent per gallon increase by public vote.  Finally, most cities would be able to charge up to a $40 vehicle-license fee through a council approval, up from the current $20 allowed.

“People know good transit options make for great communities,” Liias said, “and the options in this bill will help connect families to work and their neighbors.”

The coalition of leaders pushing for the bill range from the mayor of Bellingham to councilmembers in Spokane, and include many transit, business and other community leaders.  Their letter and further information can be found on the Transportation for Washington website: https://t4washington.org/2012/03/20/over-90-organizations-and-public-officials-show-support-for-long-term-transit-funding-bill-waiting-for-legislative-action/