BREATHE LA Opposes Governor's Proposal

BREATHE LA and Breathe California strongly oppose the Governor's proposal to use $1.3 billion in Public Transportation Account funding for programs traditionally funded via the General Fund.

If enacted, the Governor's cuts to the Public Transportation Account would devastate the State Transit Assistance Program, the state's only transit operations assistance program. This action could negatively affect transit agencies and service at a time when service increases are important to help meet air quality standards and quality of life goals.
The state of California needs a vigorous and reliable public transit system to:

To accommodate anticipated population growth in coming decades while minimizing growth in vehicle miles traveled and congestion; provide and maintain access to reliable transportation for those residents who do not possess drivers licenses; meet the greenhouse gas emissions requirements established by AB 32.
Compliance with AB 32 requires more, not less, transit service because the transportation sector contributes 40% of California's greenhouse gas emissions; and to help the state achieve critical air quality goals that ensure the health protection of millions of residents.

The Governor's proposal undercuts the will of the people expressed by their strong support for Proposition 1B. Proposition 1B's proceeds should be used to enhance, not backfill, existing transit funding streams.

If enacted, the Governor's cuts to the Public Transportation Account would devastate the State Transit Assistance Program. We urge you to protect the $1.3 billion in Public Transportation Account funds that are threatened by the Governor's proposed budget and we ask you to reject this proposal to permanently terminate Spillover funding for the Public Transportation Account.