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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040525 - 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. State Legislative Update, Register Now; Dispatch and Spring Maintenace Forum, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 13 April 5, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/62dbdbdcc20d/the-wsta-weekly-17988658?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Message from the Executive Director Into The Final Days, We Go! Leading up to and into this legislative session, the Assocation had one singular priority: protect our transit funding! Knowing the mounting defects facing leaders in Olympia, we knew asking for additional revenue was not the appropriate or responsible approach. That priority remains true as we approach the final weeks of the regular sessions and as the legislature grapples with billions of operating and transportation budget deficits. Mike Shaw, WSTA lobbyist, has done a fantastic job keeping us informed, even with his humor and the easter eggs he hides in his reports (have you seen/found them?). His weekly report is below. However, I wanted to take a quick moment and muse about the budgets and what is next. Each chamber has passed its transportation budgets, and both have vastly different approaches to their spending and resources. WSTA's advocacy team, Mike Shaw, Lyset Cadena, and I remain committed to closing the difference for transit in both chambers and achieving our singular priority: protect our transit funding. The House: The House transportation budget continues to provide less funding for public transit than we traditionally have received. At the beginning of the session, we faced nearly 45% cuts in the House version; however, in the version that passed off the House floor, we only saw an 8% cut. Regional Mobility Grants remain only half funded of the nearly $77m expected. Further, we were thankful that Chair Fey restored CTR grants and some Rideshare Investment Grant funds to the tune of $5m of the expected $10M. Finally, we also see a cut of nearly $12m of the nearly $50m in Green Transit Grants. We have work to do to keep closing that cap. The Senate: The Senate transportation budget that passed off the floor keeps all our grant programs fully funded; there is an additional $20m in Green Transit Grants and $20m in a new Transit Safety and Security Grant. Further, the Senate proposal includes meaningful permitting reform needed to ensure our most significant transit projects in the state can be constructed and implemented effectively and efficiently. The Senate version also imposes tolls on transit and a new registration fee for our vehicles, making public trnasit the only publicly owned fleet in WA to pay such a fee. We understand the tenuous decisions legislators must make in Olympia, but it is without surprise that WSTA does not support tolls and taxes on transit. The two bills now go into conference, a time when information is quiet and dark, and we wait to see what comes forward between the two chambers. With all that said, let's take a moment and step back a few thousand feet and remember that the state's public transit funding only represents 5% of the total state transportation budget. More importantly, public transit is not the reason the state is facing this deficit, and critical projects, operations, and services depend on this funding. However, transit and our bike and ped friends continue to be a lightning rod for cuts and reform despite being a small share of the overall budget. It's a sobering reminder that our work is and has never been done. We must remain resilient to navigate these times. For a better and brighter future for all, <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/96275218-1924-4dfd-a90c-fc4153a1ab38.jpg> Justin D. Leighton Executive Director Washington State Transit Association ________________________________ Week 13 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist WSTA Upcoming Events Report Week 13 The Legislature finished week 12, passed another policy committee cutoff and moved awkwardly into the budget phase of the session. Both chambers passed their versions of the operating, transportation and capital budgets. Both chambers held hearings on the revenues upon which those budgets are built. And then the Governor held a press conference. On April 1st, Governor Ferguson stated “We cannot adopt a budget with anywhere near the level of taxes in the House and Senate plans” <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76 c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5fbd7d10ea&e=7ccb4f03e2> , and he called on legislators to “immediately move budget discussions in a different direction.” Specifically, Governor Ferguson stated he will not sign any spending plan that based on the intangibles tax, which he deems susceptible to immediate legal challenge. The House budget relies on a version <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2bbacdaf1a&e=7ccb4f03e2> of the intangibles tax (also called wealth tax) that would generate about $2 billion per year, providing about $2.4 billion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d3809b8039&e=7ccb4f03e2> in the two-year House budget. The Senate version <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=823052f18c&e=7ccb4f03e2> of the tax would provide about $4.2 billion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9efe60ef1e&e=7ccb4f03e2> in their budget proposal. This “wealth” tax proposal is the largest revenue generator for both operating budget proposals and without it their budgets do not work. Particularly in the Senate, this impacts the other budgets. The Senate transportation budget assumes the passage of SB 5802 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2 a8361&id=8273b71642&e=7ccb4f03e2> , which dedicates 0.3 percent of the state sales and use tax to the Multimodal Transportation Account. That bill passed from the Senate Transportation Committee this week and was referred to the Seante Ways & Means Committee. The Senate transportation budget also assumes that the Court ordered fish passage costs be fully transferred to the capital budget, which would pay for that obligation with bond proceeds generated by SB 5804 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a3fa5619aa&e=7cc b4f03e2> , which redirects revenue sources currently directed to the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA) to the state general fund, and authorizes the issuance of bonds totaling $5 billion paid for by directing a portion of light and power utilities tax that had funded the PWAA. The budget proposals are all interconnected. With the fiscal committee cutoff next Tuesday, April 8th, and the floor debate deadline on April 16th, the budget negotiators do not have much time to pivot concerning their revenue assumptions, and still come to agreement by April 27th, the last day allowed for the regular session under the state constitution. For those curious, the 105-day duration for odd-year sessions is set forth in Article II, section 12. Moreover, 105 days is also the duration of the Winter War <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.co m/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=576393cb53&e=7ccb4f03e2> , which is when the Soviet Union invaded Finland in November 30th, 1939. Ways & Means (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 4/5 @ 12:00pm 2SHB 1409 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=78e9df33d6&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning the clean fuels program. (Remote Testimony Available). (Support/Medium) E2SHB 1912 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b6ba622188&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning the exemption for fuels used for agricultural purposes in the climate commitment act. (Remote Testimony Available). ESHB 1622 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eed966640d&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Allowing bargaining over matters related to the use of artificial intelligence. (Remote Testimony Available). Ways & Means (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 4/7 @ 1:30pm 2SHB 1409 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=475049c9be&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Concerning the clean fuels program. (Support/Medium) E2SHB 1912 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ab5b56c7da&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Concerning the exemption for fuels used for agricultural purposes in the climate commitment act. 3SHB 1491 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1ac1c00350&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Promoting transit-oriented housing development. Transportation (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 4/8 @ 1:30pm SB 5581 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2a260681d6&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Implementing safe system approach strategies for active transportation infrastructure. SSB 5773 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1b4ca31b79&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Concerning alternative procurement and delivery models for transportation projects. Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 4/8 @ 1:30pm ESHB 1837 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=95c0c53844&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Establishing intercity passenger rail improvement priorities. SHB 1980 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=642ddca905&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Allowing certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities. SHB 1733 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=10dd676a7e&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Increasing the reimbursement cap for moving and relocation expenses incurred by persons affected by agency displacements. SHB 1774 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e7968fd172&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Modifying allowable terms for the lease of unused highway land. Ways & Means (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 4/8 @ 1:30pm ESHB 1622 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=322fcf856d&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Allowing bargaining over matters related to the use of artificial intelligence. ________________________________ 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=3de490b216&e=7ccb4f03e2> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com 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=740ed50967&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=fdc92244ab&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. Time is Running Out <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/748a01cb-244b-48d0-0410-166b659324fb.png> 37 Vendors Registered 82 Attendees Registered Registration Closes April 8 Register Now <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=50797f3604&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <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=7be2f58e4a&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=23d5b28ba0&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=03705bedad&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=f63dc189ad&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 Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8889980710&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=42b21b5615&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=c25c37747f&e=7ccb4f03e2> Transit Planners Committee May 12 - 13 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dcad4b824b&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Dispatch Forum May 19-20 | Tulalip Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=513c6a3bba&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> President Trump Announces Tariffs on “Liberation Day” In an event observing “Liberation Day” on Wednesday, President Donald Trump imposed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=517b4750e8&e=7ccb4f03e2> sweeping tariffs <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=50c47b606f&e=7ccb4f03e2> on nearly 60 countries and instituted a level of protectionist trade policy not experienced here in the United States in nearly a century. The President described his overarching philosophy simply as follows: “They charge us. We charge them.” The ten percent base tariff rates will take effect tomorrow, Saturday, April 5, 2025. The additional individualized reciprocal higher tariffs, also known as country-specific ad valorem rates of duty, will go into effect on Wednesday, April 9. 2025. In an address <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=22f0275450&e=7ccb4f03e2> in the Rose Garden, the President argued that the implementation of these tariffs represents a necessary response to the notion that “United States slashed our trade barriers on other countries while those nations placed massive tariffs on our products and created outrageous, non-monetary barriers to decimate our industries.” He affirmed his position that “hard-working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful.” Despite that the President’s justification for the decision, stocks sank in response to the announcement at the White House. The S&P 500 suffered its largest single-day decline yesterday since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Companies shed $2.5 trillion worth of value, and seventy-four companies dropped at least 10 percent work of their stock prices yesterday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 1,700 points or approximately 4 percent yesterday. Local elected officials are expressing concern. U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther released a statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u =6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d5063e1c58&e=7ccb4f03e2> saying “When tariffs go up, prices go up and businesses stop growing, which puts more pressure on the cost of living for our residents. America’s mayors are calling for trade policy that protects our businesses, workers and families. We urge the president to reverse course and end this global trade war.” According to a fact sheet <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d105e75338&e=7ccb4f03e2> from the White House, President Trump is using authorities declared under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to ensure that imports from trading partners will be subject to a ten percent base tariff. Certain countries will be subject to an additional higher “reciprocal tariff” rate <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=49bca626f9&e=7ccb4f03e2> if deemed necessary by the Administration to balance bilateral trade deficits with the U.S. resulting from tariffs and other non-tariff factors such as value-added taxes (VAT), regulatory barriers, and currency manipulation. The White House has published an annex of those reciprocal tariffs by country <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=07e483a161&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Goods exempted are included in this annex <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8f9865a39e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . These rates include an additional 34 percent tariff on China and an additional 20 percent tariff on goods from the European Union. Canada and Mexico will continue to be subject to only the previously announced border tariffs. It is important to note that the newly announced tariffs will not be stacked on top of separate sectoral tariffs for automobiles that officially took effect this Wednesday, as well as other tariffs previously announced on steel and aluminum and additions tariffs expected to be forthcoming in sectors such as lumber, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The White House states that the tariffs have the ability to be modified depending on any responses from global partners and “will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated.” President Trump separately signed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6f55939c0f&e=7ccb4f03e2> an Executive Order (EO) <https://watransit.us12.list-man age.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a233e0b46c&e=7ccb4f03e2> reimposing an end to de minimis tariff exemptions on goods sent to U.S. consumers directly from China valued at $800 or less that will take effect on May 2, 2025. Reactions from lawmakers have varied. Four Republican Senators - Maine Senator Susan Collins, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul - joined their Democrat colleagues in passing legislation (S.J. Res. 37 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7d9eb0814c&e=7ccb4f03e2> ) this week, which seeks to effectively rescind the Administration’s tariffs on Canada by nullifying their underlying national emergency rationale. Additionally, Senator Paul introduced a bill that would require Congressional approval for the implementation of any tariffs. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley introduced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id= 46ea7106ca&e=7ccb4f03e2> bipartisan legislation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a55fba424d&e=7ccb4f03e2> alongside Washington Senator Maria Cantwell that would give Congress the authority to disapprove of new tariffs imposed by the Administration within 60 days. However, it is unlikely that those measures would be advanced by the House of Representatives. We will make you aware of responses from lawmakers. Senate Considers Compromise Budget Resolution The Senate intends to consider a compromise budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 14 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5739aa3e34&e=7ccb4f03e2> ) over the weekend. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham of South Carolina introduced the Senate’s amendment to the House budget resolution on Wednesday. The measure lays the groundwork for a permanent extension of provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA, P.L. 115-97) costing approximately $3.7 trillion and the adoption of another $1.5 trillion worth of new reforms to modify the tax code, totaling up to $5.2 trillion worth of tax cuts overall. The budget resolution would establish a preference for enacting at least $2 trillion worth of spending cuts over ten years and authorize a statutory debt ceiling increase of $5 trillion. Last night, the chamber approved a motion to proceed by a vote of 52-48, paving the way for “vote-a-rama” to begin consideration of amendments later tonight. Republican Senate leaders are utilizing a “current policy baseline” that presumes the extension of the TCJA provisions and would not need to account for $4 trillion worth of costs associated with the extension of those policies. It remains to be seen if the Senate Parliamentarian will allow them to utilize this “current policy baseline” to circumvent the Byrd Rule prohibition on adding to deficits beyond a ten-year budget horizon. Nevertheless, Budget Committee Chairman Graham continues to reiterate his authority to establish the baseline for the reconciliation process, despite objections from some of his fellow GOP Senators about the decision to move ahead without guidance from the parliamentarian about whether it is acceptable to do within reconciliation rules. Chairman Graham offered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=17ae25a685&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Resolution represents “one of the most important steps toward ensuring the Republican majority fulfills its promise to the American people that we will secure our border, strengthen our national security, make President Trump’s tax cuts permanent, and reduce spending.” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho noted <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d 76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4d8dd7a25c&e=7ccb4f03e2> “This budget resolution unlocks the process to permanently extend proven, pro-growth tax policy, ensure Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money, provide additional tax relief to those who need it most, and take long-overdue steps toward getting our fiscal house in order.” A summary provided by the Finance Committee majority <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3478003ad5&e=7ccb4f03e2> contends that a permanent extension using the current baseline policy will help avoid a $4 trillion tax hike on American families and businesses. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) expressed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=73f390aa9d&e=7ccb4f03e2> concern over the Senate’s amendment to the House budget resolution, particularly the utilization of the “current policy baseline” instead of “current law baseline.” In a statement, CRFB President Maya MacGuineas offered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=23283c6ee7&e=7ccb4f03e2> “This budget would set the stage for the largest deficit increase ever – three times as large as the American Rescue Plan, four times larger than the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and 75 percent larger than all bipartisan COVID relief combined.” The nonpartisan organization warns that Senate proposal would “likely allow up to $5.8 trillion in additional primary deficits through 2034” without sufficient measures to address long-term deficits and reduce the national debt. Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy provided an update on the Department’s implementation of programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58) and perspectives on the next surface transportation in his first appearance before Congress as Secretary. * During a hearing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5d267c6d15&e=7ccb4f03e2> of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the Secretary offered that most projects awarded by the Biden Administration from the IIJA were “really good projects” but implementation has been delayed with DOT working through requirements for over 3,000 pending grant agreements. In his opening remarks <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0997a75d66&e=7ccb4f03e2> , the Secretary stated,“Congress has expressed concerns to us about pauses in DOT funding. I want to assure you that disbursements for valid reimbursement requests under existing obligations continue as usual and were never paused. However, this Administration inherited a backlog of over 3,200 awarded projects without signed grant agreements in place. We are expediting reviews to ensure alignment with this Administration’s priorities so that we can fund projects that deliver the infrastructure America so desperately needs. Between President Trump’s election victory and his inauguration, the previous administration announced 940 award selections for discretionary grants totaling nearly $9 billion – this is an unprecedented surge of midnight awards. As a comparison, only 103 award selections were made during the same period following the 2020 election. I assure you that my team is prioritizing the review of these award selections.” * Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse countered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4d4fee0235&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the agency’s review of awards to align with the new Administration’s policy priorities may be adding to this delay, but Secretary Duffy responded that DOT is simply “complying with the will of the Congress” and removing components that raise costs and delay projects further. * Regarding the Administration’s pause on releasing discretionary funding authorized by the IIJA, the Secretary stated: “We have also taken action by releasing Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), realigning them with statutory intent and removing extraneous, ideologically driven requirements. NOFOs for important programs have been republished or are in the process of being reissued.” * During the hearing, Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito expounded <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=43f3f5bdb5&e=7ccb4f03e2> on a recent op-ed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2fa5efb91b&e=7ccb4f03e2> in the The Washington Times where she argued that the next surface transportation reauthorization should “focus on eliminating duplicative programs that often invite regulatory overreach, and rather increase funding for the highway formula programs that our states rely on.” When asked for his thoughts on that point, Secretary Duffy responded that he would “work with the committee and the administration to come up with a plan that’s the right balance” between formula and competitive funding in the forthcoming law. * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7bbcf754de&e=7ccb4f03e2> the opening of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. * The purpose of the program is to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational efforts to prevent fatalities and serious injury on roads and streets involving roadway users. DOT expects to award approximately $982.3 million in total program funding with approximately $402.3 million for Planning and Demonstration Grants and $580 million for Implementation Grants. Eligible activities are outlined in an updated agency webpage <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=61c9f6b9bd&e=7ccb4f03e2> on Planning and Demonstration Grants and a separate website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=36f05eea3f&e=7ccb4f03e2> on Implementation Grants. * The FY 2025 solicitation removes references to rescinded Executive Orders (EOs) and priorities from the previous Administration and includes new discretionary priorities from the Trump Administration. The agency will apply principles from the Order entitled Ensuring Reliable Upon Sound Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities <https://watransit.us12.list- manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f3b3574525&e=7ccb4f03e2> when evaluating applications. In a press release announcing the opportunity, Secretary Duffy expressed that the solicitation represented “another great step in our Department’s work to refocus on what the American people care about: safety” and was “pleased with the Department’s effort to update this important program.” * The application deadline is June 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). See our grant memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8ca7 e087a3&e=7ccb4f03e2> on the program. The agency intends to host informational webinars on the program and post a list of Questions and Answers (Q&A) for prospective applicants. * Pursuant to a series of Executive Orders (EOs) on deregulation signed by President Trump, DOT published a Request for Information (RFI) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a 1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0390c440a8&e=7ccb4f03e2> soliciting stakeholder feedback on “identifying existing regulations, guidance, paperwork requirements, and other regulatory obligations that can be modified or repealed, consistent with law, to ensure that DOT administrative actions do not undermine the national interest and that DOT achieves meaningful burden reduction while continuing to meet statutory obligations and ensure the safety of the U.S. transportation system.” Public comments are due to the agency by May 5, 2025. * Last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit examined <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bad0e00219&e= 7ccb4f03e2> issues regarding trucking policies and programs overseen by DOT for consideration in the surface transportation reauthorization. In opening remarks, Subcommittee Chair David Rouzer described <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fe4ca833a4&e=7ccb4f03e2> current challenges in the trucking industry including growing and retaining the truck driver workforce, complying with regulations, and dealing with rising costs for operators. He argued that the next reauthorization should streamline training and testing for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and expand the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program. Democratic Committee members echoed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c 3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cff91ab390&e=7ccb4f03e2> concerns regarding the trucking workforce, while highlighting the importance of enhancing driver safety. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Grants & Procurement Coordinator Grays Harbor Transit Salary Range: Full-Time - $5,654.70 - $8,048.40 Monthly Under the direction of the Grants, Procurement, and Planning (GPP) Manager, this position is responsible for identifying, applying for, administering, and coordinating federal, state, and local grants while providing technical support for the agency's grants, procurement, and project coordination processes. The Grants & Procurement Coordinator administers and maintains comprehensive documents completing the end-to-end-procurement process, including contracts with suppliers. This role ensures regulatory compliance and requires strong analytical skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6f03dd4c6b&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=1aa17fb75b&e=7ccb4f03e2> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. 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Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f0fa955936&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=eb30f5df33&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Light rail extension into downtown Redmond, WA just weeks away <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cbe9b2587b&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KCPQ * Sound Transit board discusses CEO performance, addresses public concerns including West Seattle Town Hall request <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id= 488a45c86d&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Westside Seattle * For first time since 2020, King County Metro resumes fare enforcement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=72907b39ce&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KING * Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot files suit over her ouster from C-Tran board <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a398bbb051&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Columbian (pdf included) * Opinion: New Sound Transit CEO Constantine must prove board made right choice <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f7319a6a9f&e=7ccb4f03e2> . 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