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HomeMy WebLinkAbout032225 - 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. Award!, Register Now for Dispatch Forum, State Legislative, Update, Tracking the EOs, Committee Registation, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 11 March 22, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/414632fc39c9/the-wsta-weekly-17988389?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> WSTA's Public Education Campaign Wins Award ________________________________ <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/6b154703-0933-38bc-e59c-f962837c6698.png> LinkedIn <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cd41fc0d7d&e=7ccb4f03e2> | Instagram <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22f e2ef2a8361&id=068a1ca6b1&e=7ccb4f03e2> | Facebook <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=154a8e378f&e=7ccb4f03e2> The Transit is Why Public Education Campaign <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fd20669838&e=7ccb4f03e2> was honored with a PRSA Spotlight Award for excellence in public relations and communications. Our marketing and communications consultant, PointNorth, submitted the campaign for consideration, showcasing its success in increasing public awareness of transit’s value, engaging diverse audiences, and equipping local transit agencies with tools to amplify campaign messaging. Hosted by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Oregon, the annual Spotlight Awards recognize outstanding public relations and communication efforts across Oregon and Southwest Washington. The awards celebrate strategic, ethical, and impactful work that advances the public relations profession and serves the public. Registration Now Open <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/cd33a7f7-81a5-08bb-a155-61ce36746b52.png> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=12323bd895&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/a386d6ca-acbc-5b0f-5205-26646d845e6e.png> ________________________________ When ________________________________ May 19 | 8:30am - 5:00pm May 20 | 8:00am - Noon Where ________________________________ Tulalip Resort 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, WA 98271 Program: ________________________________ To view the program, CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=46640b1e21&e=7ccb4f03e2> Registration: ________________________________ The registration fee is $225, which includes breakfast, lunch, and beverages on Monday, breakfast and beverages on Tuesday, and meeting materials. Please register each person individually by Monday, April 28th. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/748a01cb-244b-48d0-0410-166b659324fb.png> Registration Now Open <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3976c902ca&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Week 11 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw - WSTA Lobbyist ________________________________ The 2025 legislative session is at the 2/3rds point, with 10 weeks down and 5 weeks to go. With only 8 business days until the next bill cutoff, policy committees are finishing their work for the session. Yet, the heavy lifting is just now starting. This week, the Senate Democrats unveiled their revenue package <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8eb5796fdf&e=7ccb4f03e2> . A day later, the House Democrats released their revenue package <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ccfb2b722c&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Both packages contain a version of an intangibles tax, that imposes a property tax on certain intangible assets like stocks, bonds and index funds, and both revenue packages contain a version of lifting the current property tax 1% limit. The House version has a B&O tax increase while the Senate has a payroll tax. These revenue bills announcements come days after the state revenue forecast provided more bad news about the state tax collections; showing a $845 million decrease <https://watransit.us12.list-manag e.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9036737f44&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The estimated budget shortfall is now about $16 billion over the next four years. The Senate proposal would raise an estimated $17 billion over the next two budget biennia while the House proposal raises about $15 billion. These revenues will help pay for the operating budgets, which are scheduled to be unveiled on Monday, March 24th, with hearings on Tuesday, and committee action on Thursday; with the Senate expected to pass its budget on Saturday while the House will do the following Monday. Once that is done, the chambers will begin negotiating a final budget agreement. The transportation budgets are also expected to be unveiled on Monday and to follow the same timeline. The Senate transportation budget proposal is expected to be in four parts: a current law budget (no new revenue), a budget based on additional resources, an associated revenue bill, and a bond bill. The House transportation budget is expected to be a budget based on the assumption of additional revenue, with an associated revenue bill and a bond bill. Both are rumored to contain a gas tax increase and various fees. The Senate version may have some general fund money included while the House version is not expected to receive help from the general fund. These budgets raise the question of how many tax votes these legislators are willing to take. There are rumors that the operating budgets will address the shortfall by a 50% revenue/50% cuts approach. A lot of the Legislature are relatively new and have not experienced tough budget cuts or votes. Whether they can coalesce around budget solution by April 27th, the end of the 105-day legislative session, is speculative, and I am pessimistic. Yet, I am optimistic that the Bicycle Alliance lobbyist, Alex Alston, will have a great birthday this weekend with her two daughters, Sawyer and Sydney, who have kept me in Girl Scout cookies for several years. The capital budgets are not expected for another week. Law & Justice (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 3/24 @ 10:30am SHB 1733 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b2fb55fd28&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Increasing the reimbursement cap for moving and relocation expenses incurred by persons affected by agency displacements. (Remote Testimony Available). Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/25 @ 1:30pm E2SHB 1912 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bb99947654&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning the exemption for fuels used for agricultural purposes in the climate commitment act. (Remote Testimony Available). State Government & Tribal Relations (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 3/25 @ 1:30pm SB 5102 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=72c74b6115&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Establishing a public records exemption for the proprietary information of public risk pools. Transportation (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 3/25 @ 4:00pm HB 1227 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ba43538219&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.) HB 2043 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cff4c6bf8c&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning transportation resources. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.) Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/25 @ 4:00pm SB 5160 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=347e5ea101&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.) (Remote Testimony Available). SB 5161 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=68aaaeaee4&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. (Hearing is on the Proposed Substitute.) (Remote Testimony Available). Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 3/26 @ 8:00am ESSB 5184 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=11ad2ebab2&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Concerning minimum parking requirements. Housing (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 3/26 @ 10:30am 3SHB 1491 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5415ac03d3&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Promoting transit-oriented housing development. State Government & Tribal Relations (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 3/26 @ 1:30pm SB 5102 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b7260e9403&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Establishing a public records exemption for the proprietary information of public risk pools. Law & Justice (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 3/27 @ 10:30am SHB 1733 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c5d1c7edc7&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Increasing the reimbursement cap for moving and relocation expenses incurred by persons affected by agency displacements. Transportation (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 3/27 @ 4:00pm HB 1227 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f5d9558998&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/27 @ 4:00pm SB 5160 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2286920197&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. SB 5161 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dc39c878fa&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Making transportation appropriations for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. Labor & Commerce (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/28 @ 8:00am ESHB 1622 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d106089902&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Allowing bargaining over matters related to the use of artificial intelligence. (Remote Testimony Available). Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/28 @ 10:30am 2SHB 1409 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=477e5d85c4&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Concerning the clean fuels program. (Support/Medium) EHB 1814 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=28cfe20b98&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=15114fccd5&e=7ccb4f03e2> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: APTA Resources and Upcoming Webinar on Thursday, February 20 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=c24e4ac408&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. In addition, APTA will host a webinar on the first 30 days of the Administration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d37d714f26&e=7ccb4f03e2> and discuss the impacts of Executive actions on public transportation agencies, funding, current projects, and more. The Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation webinar <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9b38956400&e=7ccb4f03e2> will be held on Thursday, February 20, at 3:00 pm ET. (APTA Members Only) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5b99ec8eb4&e=7ccb4f03e2> <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. Committees are open to only transit agency members Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 26 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=460f3521df&e=7ccb4f03e2> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 9 | Virtual CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2aa9c922ab&e=7ccb4f03e2> Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a3055f37aa&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3a771123d9&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Advanced April 28- 30 | Tulaliup Sold Out Spring Maintenance Forum Maintenance & Facilities Committee May 6- 8 | Spokane CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ab025d83f7&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Dispatch Forum May 19-20 | Tulalip Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4c577f1e4e&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/6ff6c895-52f6-490d-bde3-8ec4be6bd4ed.jpg> Update on FY25 Continuing Resolution & Bus Grants Funding Levels Dear Bus Coalition Members and Supporters, Many of you have seen APTA's outstanding coverage <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=94a51bb74e&e=7ccb4f03e2> of last-week's passage of the FY2025 Continuing Resolution (CR) that has averted a government shutdown and solidified funding expectations for the current fiscal year. Below we share some additional thoughts and takeaways from the highlighted 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities & Low/No program allocations and their upshot for TBC's collective work in 2025. (This graphic and PDF also offers the CR's appropriated funding levels on other key bus accounts including 5307, 5310, 5311 and others.) For TBC members and bus transit leaders, the key takeaway is to notice that the 5339 program funding levels will stay in place as originally authorized and appropriated in the IIJA's budgetary process. Importantly, this includes the $1.05 billion in pre-appropriated 5339c Low & No Emissions grants. The passage of this CR indicates that the NOFO and grants application process for FY25 will begin within a matter of weeks, and TBC members should expect to begin the submission process for these grants in short order. However, there remain significant concerns re: the funding levels that will be allocated to 5339 grants accounts in the FY26 budget process later this year -- which has direct impact on the baseline funding expectations the bus transit community can expect as part of our longer-term Reauthorization efforts together. For this reason, Coalition staff and our members nationwide will continue to advocate with our members of Congress to share the outsized impact of bus capital funding on our communities, economies, and daily lives! FOR NEXT STEPS: Please review the TBC 2025 Legislative Agenda <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=71d37ef41b&e=7ccb4f03e2> , and be sure to mention this reform platform to your members and their staffs as we move ahead with our work this spring and summer! More information will be available soon - <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2dc8c47b4e&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Lawmakers Pivot to FY 2026 Appropriations Process Without Determination on Earmarks With federal spending finally resolved for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, lawmakers will have to quickly pivot to drafting of the 12 spending bills for FY 2026 that begins October 1, 2025. Nearly six months behind schedule, Congressional leaders and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will need to get back on track with establishing guidance for the annual process. Furthermore, lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on spending caps. The slim majorities and tumultuous political circumstances will likely make it difficult for the House and Senate to reconcile a dozen spending bills on time this cycle as Congress considers other massive legislative initiatives through the budget reconciliation process. The Republican majorities will likely feel emboldened by the passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR) without offering any concessions to Congressional Democrats last weekend. The legislation will maintain mostly enacted levels of funding through the remainder of the year, which should be perceived as a victory for those fearing cuts. The measure did provide additional funding to address anomalies across a few agencies including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). With President Donald J. Trump overseeing major reductions in force (RIF) and attempted spending reductions across federal agencies, a number of prominent Democrats, including Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Patty Murray and House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, wanted restrictions or some other assurances that the Executive Branch would not seek to impound the funds appropriated by Congress in the CR. Democrats also wanted to include FY 2025 Community Project Funding (CPF) and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests from Members of Congress, otherwise known as earmarks. That funding for state and local projects was ultimately excluded from the package to produce $13 billion worth of cost savings. Impacted project sponsors should get in touch to discuss next steps. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces broad criticism from his party for capitulating and giving 10 Senate Democrats the leeway to vote for cloture of the bill, allowing the GOP majority to overcome a filibuster. Minority Leader Schumer may be more inclined to try to hold a party line moving forward, which could further complicate bicameral, bipartisan efforts to secure a comprehensive omnibus agreement for FY 2026 spending before October 1st. We want to flag that House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins of Maine have yet to make a determination on whether or not their committees will accept earmark requests in the upcoming cycle, including CPF requests from Representatives and CDS requests from Senators respectively. If they choose to accept earmark requests, the Senate Appropriations Committee and the House Appropriations Committee will need to issue guidance establishing rules, requirements, and timelines for submissions by project sponsors and Members of Congress. Although some lawmakers have gone ahead and proactively opened their submission portals, most lawmakers are awaiting definitive guidance from the Appropriations Committees. They are encouraging potential project sponsors to review guidance from the previous cycle that is subject to change. We will forewarn that some Members of Congress may be inclined to prioritize projects included in FY 2025 spending bills that were ultimately left out of the CR, but there are rumors that the House Appropriations Committee may allow Representatives to increase their number of requests in the upcoming cycle. We will continue to share any news from the committees or from individual Member on their submission processes as those updates become available. Weekly Updates from the Judicial Branch * Last Friday, in response to the Trump-Vance Administration’s request <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f80347e2df&e=7ccb4f03e2> to lift a lower court’s preliminary injunction blocking Executive Order 14160 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=559e46de7c&e=7ccb4f03e2> Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship seeking to end birthright citizenship. A federal judge had issued a nationwide preliminary injunction of the order on February 5, 2025 while the lawsuit proceeds, and it currently remains in place. The U.S. Supreme Court has asked <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=514bce1533& e=7ccb4f03e2> the plaintiffs to submit a response by April 4, 2025. * Last Friday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed a lower court’s nationwide injunction that blocked President Trump’s Executive Order 14151 <https://watransit.us12.li st-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=43ca39f772&e=7ccb4f03e2> Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Executive Order 14173 <https://watransit.us 12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3484a8dd49&e=7ccb4f03e2> Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. In the 10-page order <https://watransit.us 12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fa3723a267&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Chief Judge Albert Diaz, Judge Pamela Harris, and Judge Allison Rushing granted the Trump Administration’s motion for a stay of the preliminary injunction pending the outcome of the appeal set to be decided this afternoon. Both Judge Diaz and Harris highlighted their apprehension to the EOs but noted that the Administration had met the legal requirements for a stay. * On Saturday, in response to President Trump’s Proclamation 10903 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f0e3f9953e&e=7ccb4f03e2> Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of The United States by Tren De Aragua, the District Court for the U.S. District of Columbia issued a 14-day temporary restraining order (TRO), preventing the Trump-Vance Administration from removing “all noncitizens in U.S. custody” under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) of 1798. In the 24-page order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.c om/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e10a70568a&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Chief Judge James Boasberg argued that the Trump-Vance Administration unlawfully invoked the AEA as it “does not authorize the removal of noncitizens from the United States absent a ‘declared war’ or a ‘perpetrated, attempted, or threatened’ ‘invasion or predatory incursion’ into the United States by a ‘foreign nation or government.’” * In response, Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cffdf00853&e=7ccb4f03e2> , criticizing the order for undermining President Trump’s authority. Furthermore, the White House announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=38d28e7d63&e=7ccb4f03 e2> the removal of 61 people who were deported to El Salvador, 137 of whom were removed under the Act. The Administration defended its actions, stating that the decision was made before Judge Boasberg’s ruling. Today, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a declaration stating that he is aware of the Cabinet-level discussions concerning the Administration potentially invoking the state secrets privilege. * Eighteen agencies submitted declarations <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=823e4096e2&e=7ccb4f03e2> outlining their efforts to reinstate terminated workers. These reports indicate that most workers have been placed on paid administrative leave, with no clear timeline or structure provided for their return to work except for the U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE), Labor (DOL), Transportation (DOT), and Agriculture (USDA) which provided the following updates. In response, U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=40fb14619e&e=7ccb4f03e2> a third request for information from the defendants, asking them to clarify the extent to which any rehired probationary employees were placed on administrative leave. He argued that the preliminary injunction does not allow for administrative leave. The defendants had until noon on March 18, 2025 to submit the requested information. * On Tuesday, the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4079fe522c&e=7c cb4f03e2> to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from canceling $20 billion in funding authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169). In the order, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan required Citibank to maintain the grant funds in the plaintiff's accounts. Additionally, she released a 23-page memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/ click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=89dbd4962b&e=7ccb4f03e2> where she indicated that the Administration did not provide evidence of waste and fraud and that the plaintiffs “carried their burden of showing that they will suffer imminent, irreparable harm absent a temporary restraining order.” In response, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin released a statement <https://watransit.us12 .list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=932f6b6f8e&e=7ccb4f03e2> on X regarding the court ruling, “I will not rest until these hard-earned taxpayer dollars are returned to the U.S. Treasury.” * On Tuesday, in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 14183 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0ecc435bc8&e=7ccb4f03e2> Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled that the Pentagon couldn’t enforce the ban on transgender people from serving in the military. In the order <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2ac267561c&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Judge Reyes argued that the Trump Administration mischaracterized medical studies to justify the ban. Specifically, her 79-page opinion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=80cc69abc4&e=7ccb4f03e2> noted that the Administration misquoted studies and ignored data that supported transgender people’s military service. * Earlier this week, U.S. District Court Judge Julie Rubin for the District of Maryland issued an injunction preventing the U.S. Department of Education from terminating three federally funded training programs: the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Grant Program, the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Program, and the Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program. The Judge’s order directs the Administration to reinstate nearly $600 million in grant awards within five business days of the March 17th injunction. See an article <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8702a83e65&e=7ccb4f03e2> from Higher ED Dive for more information. * This ruling follows a similar decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, where eight Attorneys General states filed a lawsuit challenging the Department's termination of these teacher training grants. The states argued that the abrupt cancellation would exacerbate teacher shortages and harm students, particularly in underserved communities. The court granted a temporary restraining order, effectively reinstating the grants pending further proceedings. * On Tuesday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop the termination of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In the 68-page memorandum opinion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=307d4e006e&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Judge Theodore D. Chuang wrote that any actions taken by USAID must be executed by a duly appointed official rather than members of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He also required DOGE to reinstate emails and system access to current USAID employees. This is the first ruling that argues Elon Musk likely holds enough independent authority to require Senate confirmation under the United States Constitution’s Appointment Clause. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Electrical Engineering Supervisor King County Metro Salary Range: $151,403.20 - $183,040.00 As the Electrical Engineering Supervisor (Transit Capital Supervisor), you will oversee a team of 5-6 skilled electrical engineers working on a diverse range of critical capital projects. These projects include State of Good Repair initiatives, Trolley Systems, Bus Electrification efforts, and Zero-Emissions programs, among others. Your role will be pivotal in advancing the team's success through effective project assignment, strategic guidance, and staff development. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=af8ac41604&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=4a12c0362a&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=5cfffe11f7&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=c839f11555&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=67a9471269&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Opinion: Public buses serve a crucial need; Spokane Transit needs to keep its foot on the (increasingly zero-emission) accelerator <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c 22fe2ef2a8361&id=46497d104f&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Inlander * Ridership Patterns for RapidRide B Line <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f1059ba35e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Transit Blog * Task force tackles urgent transit safety issues in King County <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6c657804e6&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * Intercity Transit buses are getting driver protective barriers. Here’s how they will work <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dce5f70d79&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Olympian (pdf included) * Federal Funding Review Jeopardizes $25 Million for Sound Transit Infill Station <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7687d6a09e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Coming soon: 250+ more weekly bus trips in Seattle start March 29 thanks to voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id =68e346ffe9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . SDOT Blog * Seattle-area transit ridership keeps climbing, especially in one city <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=52231b69ec&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * C-Tran offers visual interpreters to help Clark County’s blind bus riders navigate safely <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=add3fd8f86&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Columbian (pdf included) * We ask King County Executive Dow Constantine, ‘Are you candidate C?’ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cd722be947&e=7ccb4f03e2> West Seattle Blog ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1859580591&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=81022d046b&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=faced814da&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c1d7e7b1ba&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=95671963ff&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=af42212ee1&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=be239786b2&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b7883034ee&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8988687909&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b182506dd6&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d300a8213c&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7e2acd0317&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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