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HomeMy WebLinkAbout103125 - The WSTA WeeklyALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Applications Now Open for TNLI Emerging 2026Leadership Symposium, 2026 Calandar, Federal Updates and Tarnsit Jobs Vol. 10, Issue 31 October 31, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/403bcaf9d5f9/the-wsta-weekly-17991970?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> It's Not Scary, Apply Today! 2026 Applications Now Open <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fe3813e0-182a-647e-cce6-3c7ebae8a2e8.png> Applications for the 2026 TNLI Emerging Program are now open. Due to FIFA 2026 being held in town in June and July 2026, everything WSTA is doing is being moved up a few weeks to avoid meetings during that time, and that means it's time to start applying for the 2026 program. Today, the 2025 Fellows concluded their presentation at our annual Leadership Symposium <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=455baf1bb9&e=7ccb4f03e2> , and we are already underway in the search for the next class. Click the link below to go to the TNLI website, download the syllabus, and click the link for the application. Be sure to prepare all your application materials before submitting, and double-check the in-person events, as those are mandatory and can not be made up in any other way. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=46c9965351&e=7ccb4f03e2> The 2026 Master Calendar is Live! CLICK HERE to view <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f0dc3cbb30&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/e0e6cf27-5526-797c-64a9-58e74de9b547.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/355f9529-a3e4-db99-7fed-a4af238e6661.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/e2339b26-b1d6-421d-b365-4ea027ec26ba.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Shutdown Likely to Continue into November As the shutdown enters its 31st day, some bipartisan momentum appears to be building on Capitol Hill, although a deal has remained out of reach. Senators returned Thursday to resume negotiations with Senate Majority Leader John Thune noting that “a lot more conversations” are happening amongst rank-and-file members, although talks remain stalled at the leadership-level. Democrats hoped the upcoming November 1st open enrollment period would push Republicans to extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium healthcare subsidies as part of a deal to reopen the government. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo suggested this week that any extension of ACA tax credits should be tied to broader reforms to that law, offering “Over a decade of Obamacare has proved we can’t fix our health care system simply by spending more money. We need better solutions to rising costs. Democrats need to reopen the government and join us at the negotiating table.” President Trump echoed this sentiment, suggesting a new bipartisan approach could deliver “less money and better health care.” Majority Leader Thune has reportedly offered Democrats a vote on the expiring ACA subsidies and a meeting with the President for next week, but no breakthrough has emerged. At a press conference on Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson communicated that House Majority Leader Steve Scalise would be meeting with the cardinals of the three health committees to discuss their priorities moving forward. If you recall, the current version of the House-passed CR would only fund the government through November 21, 2025. With that deadline just weeks away, GOP leaders are now considering the potential need to put forward a new CR that could extend funding through mid-December. Some lawmakers reportedly hope to pair another CR with a three-bill minibus consisting of the following Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 spending bills: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Legislative Branch; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. Lawmakers are also weighing the potential consideration of a second minibus that would potentially include these spending bills: the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Majority Leader Thune would prefer to push for a longer CR lasting into early 2026. He continues to emphasize that any work on advancing full-year spending bills will only move forward after Democrats agree to pass a stopgap. Yesterday, the President complicated matters by calling on Republicans in the Senate to end the filibuster in an effort to bypass Senate Democats and end the shutdown. In a Truth Social post, he stated <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5a688c04f4&e=7ccb4f03e2> , “THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION,’ GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” It remains uncertain whether lawmakers have the appetite to pursue such a move. Our team will continue to report any developments in negotiations to end the second-longest shutdown in American history. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced that he would direct $2.2 million per week to support food banks, with the first transfer of funds beginning on November 3rd if the shutdown continues. Economy * The Federal Reserve issued a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=074ac6ced6&e=7ccb4f03e2> lowering the benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percent to between 3.75 percent and four percent. During a press conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that another rate cut at its meeting in December would not be a “foregone conclusion.” Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a proposed rule <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0e987568bc&e=7ccb4f03e2> to set requirements on how the agency can regulate or take enforcement action in response to unfair and deceptive practices by air carriers. The proposal would rescind a 2022 regulation and 2023 guidance from the Biden Administration and return the agency to a structure found in a 2020 rule. Public comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) will be accepted through December 1, 2025. * DOT cancelled <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1217301897&e=7ccb4f03e2> 13 or current or planned flight routes by Mexican air carriers into the U.S., citing the country’s “continued non-compliance” with the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and “ongoing anti-competitive behavior." The agency also proposed to prohibit Mexican passenger airlines from transporting belly cargo between the two countries on certain routes. In a press release, DOT added that “President Trump and Secretary Duffy are taking note of multiple other countries that are disregarding the terms of our air transport agreements,” including countries in Europe, and the “Department is committed to enforcing our agreements to ensure that aviation markets are fair and pro-competitive.” * The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee advanced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6561b18280&e=7ccb4f03e2> the nomination of Seval Oz to serve as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology at DOT in a 16-12 vote. Ms. Oz previously served as Head of Global Strategic Partnerships for the Google[x] Self Driving Cars Program and CEO of both Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems and Aurima, Inc. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Public Citizen Litigation Group, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) sued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/tr ack/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e4e8248b36&e=7ccb4f03e2> the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) over an interim final rule (IFR) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6215a6a367&e=7ccb4f03e2> issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in September limiting the ability of state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs) to issue and renew non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to “individuals domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction.” Plaintiffs argued in a filing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d6ccca081e&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the regulation is unlawful in terms of its substance and on the basis of FMCSA rulemaking procedure and will negatively impact licensing for truck drivers, bus drivers, and delivery drivers held by asylum seekers, refugees, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients with work authorization. <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: Since January 20, President Trump has issued almost 100 Executive Orders, Memoranda, and Proclamations to carry out his Administration’s policy goals and agenda. Many of these directives, together with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) actions, directly impact the public transportation industry. These Executive Orders and other directives pause some transportation funding; terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; impose new tariffs; and establish priorities for DOT competitive grants. APTA’s Executive and Regulatory Actions Tracker <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6bc7265086&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Deputy Director Washington State Transit Insurance Pool Salary Range: $184,376 to $234,577 Annually This position manages the complete scope of fiscal operations for the Pool. Manages all aspects of data management, collection, and analysis for usage in underwriting, risk management and claims management. Supports the Executive Director with administrative, operational and governance of the Pool. The position is relied upon to innovate, collaborate, and lead change initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The Deputy Director provides on-site visitation and engagement to WSTIP members on various topics including how WSTIP underwrites and rates the members, available programs and services, and WSTIP strategies and policies. The Deputy Director supervises the Senior Accountant and Accounting Specialist. Telecommuting is currently available. WSTIP’s office is in Olympia, Washington. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4c41928473&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=70fcac3d79&e=7ccb4f03e2> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. Attention Transit Vendors Please sign up for the WSTA Vendor Email Distribution List to be the first to know. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=db2752692e&e=7ccb4f03e2> *If you are not a vendor please do not sign up <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1877cd28-850f-4d18-987c-7fcdc524d617.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/16fd6fee-3218-4d70-b1fe-2056df0f1434.gif> WSTA pays an annual membership to the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which allows our Transit Agency members access to their services. Check out what is new with MRSC. Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d16b0b5b73&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ Ask Transit WSTA's partn <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d4f5e03c-25b5-4812-8415-e6065dfea42a.png> er, the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP), provides an "Ask Transit" tool, which allows agency employees to ask a question, and staff will work to research that question and respond back. . Click Here to Ask Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7d7e405d1f&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Light rail to Federal Way five weeks away <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e4536cd4e6&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Sound Transit press release * Federal Way businesses excited for Link light rail's December opening <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a3aaa2dfa1&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * MTRWESTERN revamps Dungeness Line with new fleet, express service <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=681827d5c1&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Bus & Motorcoach News * Seattle Budget Tweaks Would Add Transit Security Czar, Rescue Waterfront Streetcars <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7c51a38f3a&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Sound Transit CEO Lays Out Approach to Second Seattle Rail Tunnel <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e2c55957d5&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Community Transit proposes $560M biennial budget <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2053bc7517&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * After engagement, surveys show proposed Gold Line is popular <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7805bd9906&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * Link Transit roundup: Preliminary budget, new buses and contingency funds <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7f398579e4&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Wenatchee World (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e0bcec8712&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=783defba07&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c75dc5bfc5&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=80dc2ffe3c&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1299bf8d55&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9c729260db&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3b1070e42f&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f1cdb625b2&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4c1636f676&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=76add9641a&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ff30a67363&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5debe56aa0&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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