Coalition: Pass state transportation package… now!

OLYMPIA (May 14, 2013) — As was the case with last year’s successful effort to approve the “Jobs Now” bonds package, a strong coalition of labor, business, environmental and local government interests are coming together in the special session to urge the 2013 State Legislature to pass a transportation package that makes a significant investment in Washington’s crumbling transportation infrastructure. And to do it now.

“Passing a comprehensive transportation revenue package in the special legislative session is the most important thing the State Legislature can do for our economy,” said Jeff Johnson, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “We have an opportunity to create tens of thousands of jobs, all across the state, strengthen our key economic corridors making our state and businesses even more competitive, and increase general fund dollars in future years. If we pass on this opportunity our roads and bridges will continue to deteriorate, we will continue to suffer mass transit cuts, and freight mobility will be seriously jeopardized.

“It is time to do the right thing and begin investing in a 21st Century transportation system.”

The following video released this week features labor, business, environmental and local government leaders calling for passage of a strong transportation package… now! It was prepared by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce with the assistance of Washington State Labor Council Communications Director Kathy Cummings.

TAKE A STAND — The ad urges Washington residents to visit this site to contact your state legislators and urge them to pass the transportation package NOW!

ALSO at The Stand — Labor’s five transportation principles — 1) Maintain what we have now; 2) Invest in strategic economic corridors; 3) Increase state and local investment in roads, rail and transit; 4) Invest in livable communities; and 5) Build It in Washington.