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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020825 - 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. Legislative Update, Tracking the EOs, Committee Registation, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 5 February 8, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/c00dff06fb87/the-wsta-weekly-17987675?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Week 5 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw - WSTA Lobbyist The legislative session is creeping towards its first bill deadline. February 21st is the policy bill cutoff, when attention turns to the fiscal committees, which may be particularly brutal to bills with large fiscal notes given the current budget crisis. The Legislature has introduced over 1,650 bills and is on the way towards 2,000. Next week’s hearing schedule is full. Bills not scheduled for a hearing are likely dead for this session. One of the bills not yet scheduled but likely to be next Thursday is HB 1921 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=22442a2f1e&e=7ccb4f03e2> , establishing new sources of transportation revenue based on motor vehicle use of public roadways (otherwise known as the road usage charge or RUC). It’s a voluntary program that places a per mile fee on motor vehicles. From July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2029, all electric and hybrid vehicles are eligible to participate. From July 1, 2029 to June 30, 2031, internal combustion engines with fuel economy of 20 miles or higher are eligible. Electric and hybrid electric vehicle registration renewal fees are waived if participating in the RUC program. A mandatory RUC will start in July 1,2029 for electric vehicles and for internal combustion vehicles, depending on their fuel economy rating in the following years. The RUC is 2.6 cents per mile and is automatically adjusted when a fuel tax rate adjustment is made to the motor vehicle fuel tax. Proceeds from that license fee must be used for preservation and maintenance highway purposes. There is an exemption for “publicly owned and operated urban passenger transportation systems.” A road usage assessment on the RUC is authorized in an amount equal to 10% of the total RUC imposed and is intended to fund multimodal transportation needs. The RUC and assessment are due at the time of annual vehicle registration renewal. On Thursday, the House Transportation Committee passed HB 1418 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=094cb8f073&e=7ccb4f03e2> – adding two voting members that are transit users to the governing body of public transportation benefit areas. Prime Sponsor, Rep. Timmons, offered an amended version that modified the original bill in the following ways: • Requires the transit-using member representing a community-based organization to at least occasionally use public transportation. • Adds a requirement that transit-using members must be provided training regarding ethics for municipal officers. The bill passed out of committee with the amendment and was sent to the House Rules Committee. As week 4 ends, here are the bills scheduled, so far, for week 5: Environment & Energy (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 2/10 @ 1:30pm HB 1550 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=809297f354&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Improving the end-of-life management of electric vehicle batteries. (Remote Testimony Available). Transportation (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 2/10 @ 4:00pm HB 1774 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1e07f0f53f&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Modifying allowable terms for the lease of unused highway land. (Remote Testimony Available). HB 1837 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c364308b29&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Establishing intercity passenger rail improvement priorities. (Remote Testimony Available). Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 2/10 @ 4:00pm SB 5581 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=af0c23c5d3&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Implementing safe system approach strategies for active transportation infrastructure. (Remote Testimony Available). Finance (House) - HHR A and Virtual JLOB - 2/11 @ 8:00am HB 1043 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=10a31c1222&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Extending the commute trip reduction tax credit. (Remote Testimony Available). Civil Rights & Judiciary (House) - HHR A and Virtual JLOB - 2/11 @ 10:30am HB 1733 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1b8915d977&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Increasing the reimbursement cap for moving and relocation expenses incurred by persons affected by agency displacements. (Remote Testimony Available). Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 2/11 @ 10:30am HB 1814 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e847c6dc9b&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Streamlining certain decisions pertaining to the development or extension of a trail or path from the state environmental policy act. (Remote Testimony Available). Housing (House) - HHR C and Virtual JLOB - 2/11 @ 4:00pm HB 1491 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b9d430dc90&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Promoting transit-oriented housing development. Housing (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 2/12 @ 10:30am SB 5604 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d2d4b90a41&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Promoting transit-oriented development. (Remote Testimony Available). Environment & Energy (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 2/13 @ 8:00am HB 1912 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a7a9b5b97c&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning the exemption for fuels used for agricultural purposes in the climate commitment act. (Remote Testimony Available). (If measure is referred to committee.) Civil Rights & Judiciary (House) - HHR A and Virtual JLOB - 2/14 @ 10:30am HB 1733 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=75f32c6d14&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Increasing the reimbursement cap for moving and relocation expenses incurred by persons affected by agency displacements. Labor & Workplace Standards (House) - HHR D and Virtual JLOB - 2/14 @ 10:30am HB 1622 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=840a69548e&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Allowing bargaining over matters related to the use of artificial intelligence. Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 2/14 @ 10:30am HB 1814 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=76eac508f5&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Streamlining certain decisions pertaining to the development or extension of a trail or path from the state environmental policy act. ________________________________ Washington State Transit Association 2025 Legislative Priorities Preserve, Maintain & Increase Public Transit Investments Incentivize Transition to Zero-Emission Fleets Support Safety and Security for Transit Employees and Customers Protect the Effective and Efficient Delivery of Public Transit To view in detail, CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0daa34d5e2&e=7ccb4f03e2> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/be57b4de-f798-4c82-a9a5-7842c3f348af.gif> Tracking the Administration's Action ________________________________ Since his first day in office, President Trump has issued a series of Executive Orders, memoranda, and policy directives across a wide range of issues. APTA is analyzing the impact of these directives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5f0e0ac2dc&e=7ccb4f03e2> on public transportation’s investment, operations, workplace programs, and planned projects. To help you stay abreast of these directives and new developments, we have created an Executive and Regulatory Actions Tracker <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=52fef31137&e=7ccb4f03e2> that identifies and explains these executive actions. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> WSTA Spring Committee Season is here! Please don't forget to register now. WSTA 1st Quarter Board and Legislative Conference Feb. 24 & 25 | Olympia WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=54168bb050&e=7ccb4f03e2> Public Rideshare Committee Feb 27 & 28 | Wenatchee CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4040ff2093&e=7ccb4f03e2> Clerks of the Authority Committee March 2 & 3 | Alderbrook Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4989c4e9ec&e=7ccb4f03e2> Operations Committee March 5 - 7 | Lynwood, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=39727dd290&e=7ccb4f03e2> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 12 | Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=80ece56cc3&e=7ccb4f03e2> Human Resource Roundtable Committee March 20 - 21 | Olmypia, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=30e58638ed&e=7ccb4f03e2> Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 26 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8954076628&e=7ccb4f03e2> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 9 | Virtual CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6c77e1b693&e=7ccb4f03e2> Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bbf6f575b7&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6c51657fe7&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Advanced April 28- 30 | Tulaliup Info Coming Soon <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c1fa2ac7f0&e=7ccb4f03e2> Spring Maintenance Forum Maintenance & Facilities Committee May 6- 8 | Spokane Coming Soon <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> New Presidential Actions Issued by the White House Since Friday, February 1, 2025, the White House published a number of Presidential Actions, including Executive Orders (EOs), undertaken by President Donald J. Trump. On February 3, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a48992a716&e=7ccb4f03e2> directing the Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Commerce to develop a plan within 90 days to establish a sovereign wealth fund in the United States. According to the order, the fund would serve to “promote fiscal sustainability, lessen the burden of taxes on American families and small businesses, establish economic security for future generations, and promote United States economic and strategic leadership internationally.” On February 6, 2025, the President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7a7b5649c&e=7ccb4f03e2> reaffirming the nation’s foundational commitment to religious liberty, as enshrined in the First Amendment, and addressing perceived government discrimination against Christians. The order criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration for allegedly targeting peaceful Christians and failing to protect Christian institutions, citing instances where the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) took legal action against individuals protesting outside abortion facilities. To address these concerns, the order establishes the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias to be chaired by the U.S. Attorney General and composed of Cabinet members from various federal departments and agencies. The Task Force is charged with identifying, eliminating, and preventing federal laws, actions, regulations, or policies that discriminate against Christians or infringe upon religious freedoms. Additionally, it will gather “information and ideas” from a range of stakeholders, including state, local, and Tribal governments, to guide its efforts. On February 6, 2025, the President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4577906bd7&e=7ccb4f03e2> to prohibit transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports at the K-12, collegiate, and Olympic levels. Notably, the EO directs the Secretary of Education to enforce the vacatur of the Title IX rule entitled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance” dated April 29, 2024. It instructs the Secretary of Education to prioritize Title IX enforcement actions against educational institutions and take actions or promulgate regulations to “affirmatively protect all-female athletic opportunities and all-female locker rooms and thereby provide the equal opportunity guaranteed by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.” The order instructs federal agencies to review funding for educational programs, and, where appropriate, rescind funding to programs that fail to comply with policy established in the EO. The order instructs the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide resources to expedite enforcement and prioritize enforcement of the rule to institutions that do not comply. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to seek to influence the International Olympic Committee to amend standards governing Olympic sporting events. On February 6, 2025, the President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=47b20bfec1&e=7ccb4f03e2> to withdraw the United States from specific United Nations (UN) organizations and initiate a comprehensive review of its support for all international organizations. It directs the Secretary of State to terminate the office of the U.S. Representative to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and any supporting positions, and, in coordination with the UN Ambassador, to assess U.S. membership in the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) within 90 days. Additionally, it prohibits executive departments and agencies from allocating funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and withholds U.S. contributions to the agency. Within 180 days, the Secretary, in coordination with the UN Ambassador, must conduct a broad review of all international intergovernmental organizations in which the United States holds membership, as well as all conventions and treaties to which it is a party, to determine whether they align with U.S. interests and assess the potential for reform. Finally, the order directs the Secretary of State to formally communicate the U.S. stance on funding to the UN Secretary-General, UNRWA leadership, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. On February 6, 2025, the President issued an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=99452d65ce&e=7ccb4f03e2> imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its recent actions against Israel, particularly the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The EO asserts that “any effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute protected persons, as defined in section 8(d) of this order, constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and I hereby declare a national emergency to address that threat.” The sanctions imposed include freezing property and assets and denying ICC officials, employees, and agents as well as their immediate family members entry into the U.S. On February 7, 2025, the President signed a memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0c80bf1ca9&e=7ccb4f03e2> directing the heads of executive departments and agencies to review all funding provided to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The memorandum stresses that future funding decisions should align with U.S. interests and the Administration’s goals and priorities “as expressed in executive actions; as otherwise determined in the judgment of the heads of agencies; and on the basis of applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.” The White House expressed concern that NGOs have engaged in activities that “undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people.” Senate Budget Committee Releases Budget Resolution for Reconciliation Earlier today, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham of South Carolina released the draft text of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Resolution with instructions for House and Senate committees. The introduction of the budget resolution sets the stage for the Senate to consider an initial reconciliation package focusing on border security, defense spending, and energy. Notably, it would not include tax reform, which would be addressed in a second budget resolution to be introduced later this year. The Committee intends to markup this first measure on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d5a1840e65&e=7ccb4f03e2> at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and Thursday, February 13, 2025 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c2d1d4cc8f&e=7ccb4f03e2> at 10 a.m. ET. See the legislative text <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2e5420ba73&e=7ccb4f03e2> and accompanying tables <https://watransit.us12.list-manage. com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=61df6eab8f&e=7ccb4f03e2> for more information. The resolution instructs the following committees to reduce or increase the deficit by the following amounts: U.S. House of Representatives * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the House Agriculture Committee * $150 billion increase in the deficit by the House Armed Services Committee * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the House Education and Workforce Committee * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the House Energy and Commerce Committee * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the House Natural Resources Committee * $175 billion increase in the deficit by the House Homeland Security Committee * $175 billion increase in the deficit by the House Judiciary Committee * $20 billion increase in the deficit by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee U.S. Senate * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee * $150 billion increase in the deficit by the Senate Armed Services Committee * $20 billion increase in the deficit by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee * $1 billion increase in the deficit by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the Senate Finance Committee * $1 billion decrease in the deficit by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee * $175 billion increase in the deficit by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee * $175 billion increase in the deficit by the Senate Judiciary Committee Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation * President Donald Trump nominated <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dd194bdda9&e=7ccb4f03e2> former Congressman Marc Molinaro to serve as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). A former Mayor of Tivoli, state legislator, and County Executive, Congressman Molinaro served the constituents of New York’s 19th Congressional District for one term in the 118th Congress. The Congressman served as a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee during his tenure in the House. Committee Chair Sam Graves offered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2bc277577c&e=7ccb4f03e2> that Congressman Molinaro “was a valued & active T&I Member, successfully moving bills through committee & the House, including bills to improve ADA compliance in transportation.” The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) expressed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c9f7777f32&e=7ccb4f03e2> support for the nomination, arguing that “Mr. Molinaro’s experience and dedication to public transit position him to tackle the industry’s challenges and seize its opportunities.” * President Trump nominated <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=74a669e6a1&e=7ccb4f03e2> Paul Roberti to serve as Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Mr. Roberti previously served as Chief Counsel at the agency during the President’s first term. He then held the role of Chief Economic and Policy Advisor at the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and is now a Managing Director at Ernst & Young. * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a slate of individuals appointed to serve at the agency under the leadership of Secretary Sean Duffy. See the list of positions <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f30de190e9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . We will continue to keep you updated as additional appointees are announced. * Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7f400b189a&e=7ccb4f03e2> his priorities for the agency in keynote remarks delivered at the 2025 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Washington Briefing. He expressed a vision to “build more with less money…in a shorter period of time” through “fast change that’s going to transform the way we do business.” He also stated that his goals include providing states with additional flexibility to deliver infrastructure projects, accelerating permitting reform, and prioritizing infrastructure innovation. * As mentioned in our update last week, the Secretary announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=65584a65c4&e=7ccb4f03e2> a new Order last week to update policy standards and objectives for DOT programs. The Order instructs the Department to prioritize infrastructure projects that: * utilize user-pay models; * direct funding to local Opportunity Zones where permitted; * to the extent practicable, relevant, appropriate, and consistent with law, mitigate the unique impacts of DOT programs, policies, and activities on families and family-specific difficulties, such as the accessibility of transportation to families with young children, and give preference to communities with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average (including in administering the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant program); * prohibit recipients of DOT support or assistance from imposing vaccine and mask mandates; and * require local compliance or cooperation with Federal immigration enforcement and with other goals and objectives specified by the Presi­dent of the United States or the Secretary. Congress * Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee described their priorities and next steps for the surface transportation reauthorization at the 2025 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Washington Briefing. T&I Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Chair David Rouzer stated <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9ccc4db9f2&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the House of Representatives is working to pass bipartisan legislation by the late summer or early fall. He stated that he will prioritize provisions to get “dollars back to where we get the greatest bang for the buck” and streamline regulations. Full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen emphasized his desire to maintain robust federal investment in infrastructure and focus on safety and mobility outcomes in local and Tribal communities. On the Senate side, EPW Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito and Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse also expressed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3 a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=27e2636089&e=7ccb4f03e2> their intent to work on the reauthorization measure in a bipartisan manner. Chair Capito also stated that safety and deregulation would be her priorities for the legislation while expressing a preference to de-emphasize discretionary funding and provide funding and flexibility to formula programs. * T&I Committee Chair Sam Graves announced staff changes as well as senior staff assignments for the Full Committee in the 119th Congress. See the list of those individuals <https://watransit.us12.li st-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=02318fa422&e=7ccb4f03e2> . <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Director of Finance Skagit Transit Salary Range: $147,289 - $196,763 This role supervises Skagit Transit's comprehensive financial management, ensuring the financial integrity of the accounting system and accurate analytical reporting. The position manages budget development, financial risk systems, public records management, and administrative processes. It is responsible for assessing and managing financial and other liability risks, including property management risks. The role also oversees internal controls, monitors cash flow, evaluates and reports expenditures, and prepares financial and operational reports. The position supervises the Accounting Manager and ensures fiscal and administrative services comply with State and Federal laws, regulations, and requirements. The Director of Finance also manages grant funded projects accounting and oversees the annual audits, and the IT contractors. This position also serves as a member of the Agency’s management team and is integral to the achievement of Skagit Transit's strategic objectives. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=549140d393&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=c0596d1a28&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=f7255b5261&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=0fcfb46e73&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=2676f5a1bd&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Eastside bus service could grow by 3,300 trips a week <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=db85d681e4&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (pdf included) * Tacoma Dome Link Extension Draft EIS <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cc0f594b79&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Transit Blog * King County Metro to install new barriers on buses for driver safety after fatal stabbing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a81ca4ede0&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * Up to 280 units planned at Angle Lake Station <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3cea83f1c0&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (pdf included) * King County Metro unveils latest idea for keeping bus drivers safer <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ada845f467&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * Island Transit: Why I ride <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=11428a9c44&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Whidbey News Times (pdf included) * Remaining Redmond Link stations to open May 10 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a6bd041d4e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5cb6d7d2e8&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bd47d018f8&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4b587aa787&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=525e77fa1d&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ab88f4e5a8&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=52076ea4e1&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3b975cc4e5&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=91404b9dee&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5ea65471ef&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6b111a6f71&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1424bcbd36&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9d334a8497&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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