Title
Resolution in Support of Boosting State Investment in Public Transit
Body
Whereas, Thousands of people rely on Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) buses to get to work, school, and other destinations;
Whereas, Thousands of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County households, including seniors, students, low-income people, and people with disabilities, lack access to a car;
Whereas, Ann Arbor residents have a civil right to public transportation;
Whereas, For over 50 years, Ann Arbor residents have supported public transit through their local property tax dollars, the most recent millage increase passing in 2022 with 61% of the vote;
Whereas, The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is allocating over $80 billion to public transit;
Whereas, Congress recently passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act, providing $20.9 billion dollars to public transit;
Whereas, Every $1 communities invest in public transportation generates approximately $5 in economic returns;
Whereas, Accessible public transportation is crucial in mitigating social determinants of health by enhancing mobility, independence, and access to essential services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, thereby supporting their well-being and integration into the community;
Whereas, Reliable and accessible public transportation is essential for enabling people with disabilities to participate in competitive integrated employment, thereby fostering economic independence and contributing to a diverse and inclusive workforce;
Whereas, Investing in public transportation infrastructure and services can significantly reduce accessibility disparities faced by people with disabilities, providing them with equal opportunities to participate in society and access vital resources, thereby promoting inclusivity and equality;
Whereas, The State of Michigan has long supported public transit...
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