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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071726 - 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. Conference Program, Extended Registration, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit in the News Vol. 11, Issue 18: July 18, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/c89cfae100e6/the-wsta-weekly-17997046?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> Conference Program & Registration Updates: <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/2c8e6652-d073-90e1-f80b-b0a9089f27a6.png> Registation Deadline Extended We are extending Regular Registation Rates until August 1. After that date, we will begin charging onsite prices. Please register today and take advantage of this opportunity. $625 - Full Conference $200 - 1/2 Monday Only $325 - 1 Day (Tuesday or Wednesday) $250 - TNLI LEAD (all day Monday, add on or just do that <https://us.list-manage.com/4Ewnj9E9Qcf?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ Program Details Now Available While it has taken some time, we can now provide details on conference sessions and timing. We are still working with speaker conflicts so some sessions will move a bit, but please see the links below for some references: Conference Mini Program What is the mini program? This will give you an hour-by-hour view of when breakout sessions, breaks, vendor show, and other special activities are happening. It also provides a quick glance at just the session titles for each breakout series over the 3 days. <https://us.list-manage.com/SFE3PocK0Ge?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Program Quick Reference Program Because we still have several details to gather from speakers and session leads, we are providing the session title and description for each day, along with whether it's a Morning or Afternoon time slot. This lets you get a deeper dive into the sessions being offered. <https://us.list-manage.com/y4BR3uUca9C?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Program At-A-Glance Of course, we still have our 1-page look to take in the full week of events <https://us.list-manage.com/mkYDTPiYdBt?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Thank you to our Sponsors: Title Sponsors: <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/8017d6a8-a616-1f63-9b42-f772afa0a941.jpeg> and <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/97cd93ca-0e47-0863-235f-21111fcb2633.png> Platinum Sponsor: <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/5ff652d1-4c82-405d-2150-5ed8b63ecbcf.jpeg> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/e6c933a8-d9d4-419c-a343-f06d17d33938.png> Gold Sponsors: <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/8449fb45-c89e-403e-9f69-2b92d575cd39.jpg> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0d493f55-a313-6c8d-fff2-b95834bb88a5.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/dba6025f-1809-b2ce-28e3-6784b5cd725f.jpg> Silver Sponsor: <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/945ec838-cad0-d84b-509a-682330d7dfa5.png> Bronze Sponsors: <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/931a6d39-18fc-42d8-8149-0d27afafa250.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/05988272-675e-4963-bb65-bfb222a104be.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/6a59c071-e32b-a85e-4e83-0bb0e632f616.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/010bb8d4-e6b8-5ead-2873-8fcc09bd4ff2.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/295b47b6-e688-2a64-10a9-11774b543db6.png> Friends of Transit: <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/c56b5295-cd3a-4a84-89db-9345016175c5.jpg> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ece4d915-46dc-e78f-5694-38415914ad13.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/cc8e5d3e-a8a6-4540-664c-8f64e02218b4.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d2b4441b-1bb0-01db-2ff2-f88c20b2001c.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> House Republicans Introduce $95 Billion Budget Framework This week, House Republicans released a $95 billion budget resolution entitled the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 to initiate another party-line reconciliation process. The House Budget Committee voted <https://us.list-manage.com/cv6hx2wVYcj?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> 20-14 yesterday to adopt the framework, which would allow for federal spending of up to $73 billion for defense purposes and the intelligence community, $12 billion for farm assistance, and $10 billion for election-related initiatives. Notably, the measure does not call for offsets of the new spending. Following the Senate Parliamentarian’s previous determination that the SAVE America Act (S. 3752) would not comply with the Byrd Rule governing the budget reconciliation process, some Republicans are instead considering providing grants that would encourage states to enact more restrictive voter identification laws. Others in the House hope to try to insert some select provisions of the SAVE America Act into this reconciliation measure, leaving it to the Senate to keep those provisions in place or strip them from the legislation. Those details will be determined in the days ahead. Our team will share any further updates on the “Reconciliation 3.0” process. Speaker Johnson Considers Stopgap into Lame Duck Session Yesterday, House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his intention to try to move a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would keep federal government programs and operations funded until after the midterm elections, acknowledging the diminishing likelihood of his chamber reconciling the dozen annual spending bills with the Senate before the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2026. The Senate Appropriations Committee has fallen nearly a month behind in its process due to the ongoing absence of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. The former Senate Majority Leader shared an update on his hospitalization on Sunday without offering any timeline for his return to legislative business. Without Senator McConnell, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins lacks a Republican majority to advance spending bills without some bipartisan support, holding up the process. Speaker Johnson is working to convince President Donald J. Trump to support a stopgap and avoid any prospect of a shutdown ahead of the federal elections in November. We will make you aware of any related developments. Transportation Congress * In floor remarks yesterday, House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chair Sam Graves provided an update that the full chamber would not debate the BUILD America 250 Act (BA250, H.R. 8870 <https://us.list-manage.com/11fQrjOUIJb?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ) before the August recess. The Chair indicated that the earliest that the House could consider the reauthorization would be sometime in September. As a reminder, surface transportation programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) are set to expire on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The Chair held on to a fleeting hope that Congress could avoid being forced to move a short-term extension of the law; however, none of the four committees with jurisdiction over the matter in the Senate have introduced any legislation to date in the process. Therefore, most observers believe that Congress will need to pursue a temporary extension of IIJA authorizations before the end of September. * The announcement from Chairman Graves came shortly after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its initial score <https://us.list-manage.com/1CtAb2thvFR?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d 15f6159cb76daba0> of the BUILD America 250 Act. While the legislation would establish annual registration fees on plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (TVs) to help support the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), CBO estimated that the legislation would still result in a widening of the Fund’s deficit when compared to baseline projections <https://us.list-manage.com/12L2n3wm5 JE?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> where current spending is maintained. Specifically, the deficit of the Highway Account would rise by approximately $13.5 billion and the deficit of the Transit Account deficit would increase by approximately $3 billion compared to the baseline deficit by the end of 2031. These findings may complicate politics with the bill moving forward. * On Monday, the House of Representatives approved <https://us.list-manage.com/1Ci4j6RTADV?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> a suite of measures intended to modernize Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings and investments. * The Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act of 2026 (H.R. 8770 <https://us.list-manage.com/XqeWFCXwjgY?e=850008f825&c2id =77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ) was passed by the House unanimously. The measure would double annual funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund (ASCF) to $500 million beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 and establish a new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology (ASCT) Fund with $500 million annually for the TSA to award grants for aviation security checkpoint technology. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously approved similar legislation (S. 2378 <https://us.list-manage.com/urEjHwUrML3?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f 6159cb76daba0> ) in April. * Lawmakers passed the Improving Travel for American Families Act (H.R. 8897 <https://us.list-manage.com/O5gIizul68t?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ) in a 398-12 vote. The bill would establish a pilot program to expedite access to security screenings for passengers traveling with children ages twelve and under. * The Improving Travel for Military Members Act (H.R. 9328 <https://us.list-manage.com/jITzKOZvxRJ?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ) passed in the chamber unanimously. The legislation would implement priority screening for active-duty military personnel and accompanying family members, with priority for airports located near large military installations. * The chamber approved the One-Stop Pilot Program Extension Act (H.R. 9388 <https://us.list-manage.com/sYWjNV3ynVP?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ) unanimously. The measure would extend a program permitting screened passengers arriving into the U.S. from certain foreign airports to continue onto connecting domestic flights without rescreening. * The Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026 (H.R. 9391 <https://us.list-manage.com/z_so88ua7Qg?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ) was also approved unanimously. The bill would extend a program that allows for a small number off alternative screening areas outside of regular airport terminals. * The passage of the House TSA legislation came as the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a hearing on the nomination of David Cummins to serve as Administrator of the agency. Mr. Cummins is a Senior Vice President at Serco and previously served as Director of Operations Management for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic organizing committee. During the hearing, Committee Chair Ted Cruz lauded <https://us.list-manage.com/zREUIKOzDQ0?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Mr. Cummins as “proven leader who will focus the agency on customer service, adapt to evolving threats, and strengthen TSA’s core mission of keeping the nation’s airports safe and secure.” * The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee updated <https://us.list-manage.com/1B3Az0qaBZw?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> its Subcommittee rosters to reflect the addition of California Representative James Gallagher to the Committee. Congressman Gallagher was sworn in in June to replace the late Doug LaMalfa as Representative for the state’s First Congressional District. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced <https://us.list-manage.com/t7FLuuTAVoG?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collaborate with the agency to address “fraudulent and illegal practices in commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools.” FMCSA stated in a press release that it has “identified approximately 75 entry-level driving training schools suspected of fraudulent activities, including using improper driver certifications, falsifying training records, and failing to properly train drivers applying for CDLs, among other violations.” <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Editors Correction In the last edition of the WSTA weekly, we posted an incorrect salary range for this job posting. It was simply an error by not updated the template from the previous posting. It is now the correct range. Please make any complaints or suggestions to Justin@watransit.com, not to any other WSTA staff, as he handles the weekly. Thank you. Executive Assitance Mason Transit Salary Range: $26.56 - $36.13 per hour DOQ Under the direction of the General Manager, the Mason Transit Authority’s (MTA) Executive Assistant position is responsible for providing high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors and scheduling meetings. This position also serves as MTA’s Clerk of the Authority Board, responsible for agency records, and timely response to public records requests as the Public Records Officer. The assignment of specific duties to the Executive Assistant will vary depending on the Authority’s business needs and individuals’ expertise and skill sets. <https://us.list-manage.com/lKnV3ZBpLty?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://us.list-manage.com/mAQOLyCa531?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> 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://us.list-manage.com/AklYHDKM2_H?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> *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://us.list-manage.com/EYiB0Bf_Tt2?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ 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://us.list-manage.com/nQSAmg7L4Rh?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Seattle sales tax hike to expand transit appears headed to ballot <https://us.list-manage.com/hWzWvKlS43u?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * Public Transit Scores Big During World Cup <https://us.list-manage.com/muA86Iw5e9b?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Passenger Transport * Doing Big Things: How Seattle Put Light Rail On A Floating Bridge <https://us.list-manage.com/Iy3VSMJuY44?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Dow Constantine via Streetsblog USA * Pierce Transit Goes to Voters for First Funding Increase Since 2002 <https://us.list-manage.com/lKmtU5vZAW9?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . The Urbanist * Seattle considers a proposal to double the transit sales tax <https://us.list-manage.com/VfJ6Heiecb0?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . KIRO * Opinion: C-TRAN outpaces TriMet – Strong finances and growing ridership, but a cautionary note on costs and efficiency <https://us.list-manage.com/NTffgazgPO4?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6 159cb76daba0> . Clark County Today * Pacific Transit announces ADA improvements, Dial-a-Ride updates <https://us.list-manage.com/WM6H5YD6C7k?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Chinook * Pierce Transit sales tax hike would mean more service, free rides for seniors <https://us.list-manage.com/12pKI9t5kaK?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Tacoma News Tribune (pdf included) * Sound Transit Smashes Ridership Record Again on Seattle's Last World Cup Match <https://us.list-manage.com/yJHIMAdDJfk?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . The Urbanist * Getting There: STA says tax is essential to maintain, improve service. Opponents say reserves suggest it’s overfunded <https://us.list-manage.com/i2xKPGgSFP2?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f61 59cb76daba0> . The Spokesman-Review (pdf included) * Mapping King County Metro Ridership <https://us.list-manage.com/kz42k5FFIxo?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> . Seattle Transit Blog ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://us.list-manage.com/ch34YuSNUGF?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Latest Issue <https://us.list-manage.com/tY89YX30jjl?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6d a3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Metro Magazine News <https://us.list-manage.com/X0qq7D4rGl_?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * National RTAP <https://us.list-manage.com/iESxRpij2cH?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Transit Talent <https://us.list-manage.com/W0JArtJHBQd?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://us.list-manage.com/iVhmZBp8yTE?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * T4America <https://us.list-manage.com/fH3mbgm4Mue?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * CTAA News <https://us.list-manage.com/1CFUGC6QlEG?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://us.list-manage.com/ig5B_vE2IS6?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> ________________________________ <https://us.list-manage.com/18T4HpBPYdK?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <https://us.list-manage.com/1tHzqlYWd0_?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://us.list-manage.com/g5l9UUApXhH?e=850008f825&c2id=77e98cfa7fd6da3d15f6159cb76daba0> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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