Background Congress Enacted MAP-21 in July, 2012 MAP-21 Authorizes Transit/Highway programs through September 2014 $10.6/$10.7 BILLION in 2013/2014 Extends Dedicated Taxes through 2016 Asset Management/Performance Measures/ Safety Plans 1
APTA Legislative Committee October 12, 2014
Diana Mendes,Vice Chair, APTA Legislative Committee AECOM 3
Phil Washington, APTA Chair General Manager, Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver, CO
Michael P. Melaniphy President and CEO American Public Transportation Association
J. Barry Barker Chair, APTA Legislative Committee Executive Director, Transit Authority of River City (TARC) Louisville, KY
Legislative Update
Legislative and Political Situation Congress out of session until after November elections. Political analysts expect Republicans to maintain majority in House of Representatives Senate control up in the air. 50/50 chance for change in control. Either way, margin for Republicans or Democrats is expected to be very close. Specific results of November election will influence the legislative agenda in November and December. 8
Appropriations Federal government operating under a Continuing Resolution. H.J. Res. 124, extends Federal spending until December 11, 2014. All public transportation programs are funded at FY2014 levels. Question remains whether Congress will enact a full Omnibus Appropriations bill, or again extend the CR into next year 2015 or through all of FY 2015. Short term appropriations scenario makes outlook for FTA apportionments to transit agencies unclear. 9
Tax provisions Senate Finance Committee Passed Tax Extenders EXPIRE Act: Includes 2 year (FY14 and 15) extension of Transit Commute Benefit and Alternative Fuels Tax Credit Full Senate attempted to consider, but debate was not completed House (Ways and Means Committee) has considered a number of extender provisions, but not EXPIRE Act Indications are that tax extenders are still a possibility in post-election, lame duck Congress. APTA paying close attention to all tax legislation and possibility of transportation revenue options. 10
Tax provisions Transit Commute Benefits Previous parity level expired at end of 2013, pushing the transit benefit down to $130 per month, while the parking benefit rose to $250. New score from Joint Committee on Taxation shows that parity can be achieved at $235 per month (lowering parking benefit and raising transit benefit). Actually raises $131 million for the U.S. Treasury. This will help in long term making case for parity. Extension more likely than permanence this year. 11
Trust Fund and Authorization Trust Fund Solvency Patch and MAP-21 Extension - Signed 8/8/14 $10.8 billion to Highway Trust Fund (transit, highway, highway safety programs) Extends MAP-21 programs until 5/31/2015 Provides funding at current program levels, anticipated to last also until 5/31/2015 Possibility for action on transportation revenues slim, but still under discussion. Trust fund revenue most likely to be considered in context of comprehensive tax reform discussions APTA and partners looking to keep pressure on. 12
Rail Legislation Two significant rail bills introduced recently House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee bipartisan leadership introduced the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act (PRRIA) Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2014 Action unlikely on either before end of 2014, but both are likely to shape the debate for 2015 on rail. Information in packet, and staff will be available on Monday 13
Rail Legislation PRRIA Amtrak authorization with heavy emphasis on Northeast Corridor Authorization for Amtrak at recent historic appropriations RRIF and environmental streamlining reforms State grants RSIA 2014 $3 billion authorized for rail safety technology (including but not limited to PTC) Many new requirements Increased civil penalties for non-compliance repeals the FRA's authority to shield safety data generated by rail agencies from discovery in litigation 14
Advocacy Underway
Marketing and Communications Update Jennifer Kalczuk, Chair, Marketing and Communications Committee Morgan Lyons, Vice Chair 16
The Member-led Campaign to Support Investment and Authorization
Our Goals Broaden support for and show value of public transportation in your community and throughout the country Create a favorable environment for increased investment in public transportation.
Our Ads at Work
Our Ads at Work
Targeting DC Influentials
The campaign is working! Overall, the June/July DC campaign generated 4.2 million impressions with 20,765 clicks. An average click through rate of.15%. This is triple the industry standard of 0.05% CTR.
Voices for Public Transit Results 85,681+ advocates in the community We had 32,000 in February 190,765+ Facebook likes Advocates reached all 535 congressional offices with more than 20,000 letters during HTF campaign
Next Steps Continue direct contact with members of congress Engage local stakeholders with new recruitment video Use Where Public Transportation Goes Community Grows campaign Join Voices for Public Transit Prepare for National Day of Advocacy this spring Leverage new research projects that highlight public transit s impact on Senior Mobility Small Towns/Suburban/Rural areas Universities Military Bases
Learn more at APTA.com
Regulatory and MAP-21 Implementation Update Jim LaRusch Rich Weaver
Subcommittee Reports
New Business
New Business Legislative Proposal: Triennial Review Reform
New Business Amendments to Committee Bylaws
Next Meeting December 4 th Washington, DC
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