WHEREAS:

Despite increases in ridership, transit systems are being forced to cut services, increase fares and lay off workers because of shortages in state and local revenues; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME represents workers at transit agencies across the country; and

WHEREAS:
Many AFSCME members and their families rely on public transit as their primary source of transportation; and

WHEREAS:
Service cuts associated with the transit funding crisis are making it harder for working families to get to and from work, school and shopping, with a resulting negative impact on the economy; and

WHEREAS:
Current federal funding for public transit in large metropolitan areas is generally limited to capital investments; and

WHEREAS:
There is no point in buying new buses when the workers who operate and maintain them are being laid off.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME and its affiliate unions work to pass legislation in Congress to provide federal operating assistance to public transit agencies without regard to their size.

 
SUBMITTED BY: 
Albert Garrett, President and Delegate
Lawrence A. Roehrig, Secretary-Treasurer and Delegate
AFSCME Council 25
Michigan