SAFETEA LU Reauthorization - Grassroots Outreach Tool Kit
What is happening?
Roads and bridges are the backbone of our economy. We rely on our state’s transportation system each and every day to carry goods and products to stores, take children to school, and deliver employees to work.
That's why the next reauthorization is so important to donor states. The current federal transportation bill, known as SAFETEA LU, expires September 31, 2009 - which is coming quickly. The next bill will decide how much federal funding your state receives for roads, bridges and transit during the next six years. In a climate where user-fee increases will be challenging, Americans driving less and in more fuel efficient cars, we must organize and advocate to ensure that Congress passes a fully funded long-term transportation bill with greater equity for donor states!
How can you help?
Legislators need to hear from you, their constituents! They need to know that transportation is important to you, your family or your business, and that you are counting on them to fight to bring back your state's fair share.
Legislators must understand that transportation funding is something that you take seriously!
We are asking you to take action and help us fight for your fair share by doing all of the following:
- Register as a Virtual Advocate.
- Encourage friends to visit www.donorequity.org, and
- Contact your member of Congress.
Details on how to make these contacts and sample messages are included in this tool kit. If you have any questions about this project, please send an e-mail to info@donorequity.org.
Your voice matters!
Remember, you have the one thing every elected official wants: a vote. By investing up to 30 minutes to make a few phone calls or send a couple of faxes or e-mails, you will play a key role in bringing needed transportation funds back to your state.
Background & Messages
History:
The federal highway program began in the 1950s, and for several decades states like yours have been a "donor" state with respect to highway funding – which means we send more tax dollars to Washington, D.C. than we get back for road and bridge repairs. Now that the federal interstate highway system is largely built, we need to re-focus our investments on maintaining and modernizing our existing highway system.
Which states are "donor" states?
Select your state to learn more about what it has contributed into the Federal highway system, key facts about what greater equity will mean to your roads and bridges, talking points on the issues and a link to help you communicate with your Congressman and two Senators.