Despite today's good news from the House of Representatives, the Ohio Senate still has to take up the Kasich override vote. However this doesn't sound good...

 

Ohio Senate is looking at the veto overrides passed by the House today. The "if needed" senate session for next week has been cancelled.

Ohio House leaders hope to outdo Senate plan to help counties and transit authorities (photos)

Updated on Nov 15, 2017 at 06:23 PM EST

 

By Grant Segall, The Plain Dealer CLOSE

 

Email the authorFollow on Twitter

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio House leaders have blocked a plan led by State Sen. Matt Dolan to partly compensate the state's struggling counties and transit authorities next year for lost taxes. But Rep. Kirk Schuring says that's because leaders hope to boost the compensation.

 

Schuring, a Canton Republican and House speaker pro tem, said of the Senate proposal, "Their plan has merit, but we want to improve it."

 

MORE:

https://articles.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/11/ohio_house_leaders_hope_to_out.amp

Good article by @ByBethBurger but ignores that #Ohio grossly underfunds urban & intercity public transportation (45th in USA) to provide options for seniors so they can be safely mobile, independent & involved in Ohio's economy. @OHNeedsTransit @Amtrak

http://dispatch.com/news/20180313/ohio-ranks-7th-in-fatal-crashes-involving-older-drivers-study-finds

Cross posted in the 2018 Ohio gubernatorial election thread...

 

Cordray stresses transit more than DeWine does

https://articles.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/10/cordray_stresses_transportatio.amp

So I watched the U.S. Senate debate between Sherrod Brown and Jim Renacci the other night. I tend to side with Brown on almost everything. However, one answer he gave disappointed me. One of the panelists asked about the candidates' positions on raising the federal gas tax to fund infrastructure projects with a focus on funding public transportation projects in Ohio (since we all know Ohio's funding of public transit is pathetic). I seem to recall the panelist pointing out that drivers were not paying their fair share to maintain roads.  Apparently, the gas tax has not been raised since 1993. Brown's argument was that it was unfair to raise taxes that primarily affect working class people and did not seem willing to support raising the gas tax and instead focused more on revising the current tax code so that billionaires pay their fair share. Renacci seemed more open to the idea of raising the gas tax citing an approach that would raise the gas tax in line with the rate of inflation. 

 

I have to say, on its face, Renacci seems to have the better position on this, no? A lot of you are way more educated and experienced in public transit funding so I trust your opinion. Is Brown right on this? Is he just taking a politically "safe" stance? Can anyone justify his position to me or is he simply wrong on this one? 

I think Brown is just being politically safe. But I wish politicians like him would address that driving is horribly underpriced in this country. 

During debates you do not see leaders but rather politicians.

I don't expect Renacci would support boosting funds to public transit, but Brown might. So take your pick of which is more important: having auto users pay more of their share for infrastructure, or having transit get more funding. Then you can also look at the potential impact on the deficit of both of those stances, or potentially that's irrelevant to you entirely.

12 hours ago, cleveman86 said:

So I watched the U.S. Senate debate between Sherrod Brown and Jim Renacci the other night. I tend to side with Brown on almost everything. However, one answer he gave disappointed me. One of the panelists asked about the candidates' positions on raising the federal gas tax to fund infrastructure projects with a focus on funding public transportation projects in Ohio (since we all know Ohio's funding of public transit is pathetic). I seem to recall the panelist pointing out that drivers were not paying their fair share to maintain roads.  Apparently, the gas tax has not been raised since 1993. Brown's argument was that it was unfair to raise taxes that primarily affect working class people and did not seem willing to support raising the gas tax and instead focused more on revising the current tax code so that billionaires pay their fair share. Renacci seemed more open to the idea of raising the gas tax citing an approach that would raise the gas tax in line with the rate of inflation. 

 

I have to say, on its face, Renacci seems to have the better position on this, no? A lot of you are way more educated and experienced in public transit funding so I trust your opinion. Is Brown right on this? Is he just taking a politically "safe" stance? Can anyone justify his position to me or is he simply wrong on this one? 

 

Well he's right that raising the gas tax is regressive. I think he probably struggles with two priorities that are at odds with one another. The gas tax is a burden on low-income people. I don't really pay attention to the cost of gas because I don't have to. But I have low-income family members who always know exactly how much gas costs at every gas station in the town they live in. Those few cents matter. 

With that said, I'd support raising the gas tax because I think it would be better for the country in the long run, but maybe with some potential rebate for low-income folks. The more important thing though, is finding more money for public transportation--no matter where it comes from. 

With the increase in hybrid and electric vehicles and the ongoing road construction, the gas tax is going to be increasingly insufficient to pay for road maintenance.  So transferring it to funding mass transit seems like a good idea -- making mass transit more convenient and pleasant will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and may ease maintenance requirements as a result.  We probably need another source of funding for mass transit as well, however.  Gas tax receipts are likely to evaporate in the long run.

 

We should increase the gas tax, and index it to inflation and carbon emissions -- for global warming and health reasons rather than increasing revenue for roads or transportation.

4 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

During debates you do not see leaders but rather politicians.

 

Which is why you'll never see me at a political debate.

Well hot d@mn.

 

Passed by Ohio House and Senate yesterday:

 

The budget also will more than double funding for public transportation, increasing it from the current $33 million per year to $70 million. Ohio currently provides among the lowest support in the nation for public transit, which supporters say is an important economic tool, getting lower-income workers to their jobs, and helping reduce congestion.

 

https://www.ohio.com/news/20190402/ohio-lawmakers-approve-105-cent-gas-tax-increase-19-cents-for-diesel/1

 

Ohio lawmakers approve 10.5 cent gas tax increase, 19 cents for diesel

 

By Jim Siegel 
The Columbus Dispatch 
@phrontpage

Posted Apr 2, 2019 at 3:31 PMUpdated Apr 2, 2019 at 6:54 PM

Edited April 3, 20196 yr by MuRrAy HiLL

Glad to see some level of compromise happening on the state level. 

 

Does anyone know where this will put Ohio nationally in terms of public transit funding?  

According to the study that was done a few years ago, Ohio needs to spend $185 million a year on transit. So while this increase sounds like a big deal, it's really a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed.

 

On 5/30/2017 at 2:46 PM, KJP said:

https://www.policymattersohio.org/press-room/2017/05/30/funding-losses-loom-over-ohios-transit-agencies

 

Funding losses loom over Ohio’s transit agencies

Contact: Wendy Patton

614.221.4505

 

Ohio’s transit system provided 115 million rides in 2013, making it one of the more frequently used systems in the nation. But when it comes to state spending on public transit, Ohio is at the bottom of the barrel— 44 states spend more on a per-person basis. Not only does Ohio underinvest in transit, state policymakers underuse potential revenue from the flexible federal highway funds and fail to fix a looming loss of sales tax revenue to public transit agencies – a loss that could force service cuts and fare hikes.

 

As the Ohio Senate works on its version of the 2018-2019 state budget, Policy Matters Ohio releases a new handbook that offers a comprehensive overview of Ohio’s public transit funding sources, threats and opportunities.

 

In its 2018-2019 budget, the Ohio House of Representatives reduced state transit spending to $6.5 million a year, the lowest level since 1976. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation’s 2015 Ohio Statewide Transit Needs study, to meet demand, Ohio should spend $185 million a year on transit by 2025. Including federal dollars, the 2018-2019 state budget plan would spend only $40 million a year.

 

“People depend on transit to get to work, the grocery store and doctor,” said Victoria Jackson, State Policy Fellow with Policy Matters Ohio. “But Ohio not only underfunds transit, there aren’t proper structures in place to support it.”

 

Ohio lacks a dedicated revenue source for transit and the state underuses flexible federal highway funding. Moreover, unless policymakers find a solution, in 2019 Ohio’s eight largest transit agencies that levy a local sales tax will lose nearly $40 million as the state moves certain managed care services from the sales tax base into the insurance tax.

 

“Ohio’s transit system is hugely important to hundreds of thousands of people, but our state policy doesn’t reflect that," said Wendy Patton, Senior Project Coordinator with Policy Matters Ohio. “We hope this handbook serves as a guide for transit workers, riders and advocates who are working to correct years of state neglect.”

 

 

Echoing others above, while it's great that there was a big increase $70m for transit is peanuts. 

 

This is from 2015.

Quote

The Ohio Department of Transportation planned to spend $2.5 billion on highway construction in 2014.

Quote

Ohio's spending on highways, roads and bridges by multiple government agencies, including ODOT, has stayed consistent in recent years at around $4.5 billion annually. Disbursements from the trust fund total about $1.4 billion a year.

Quote

In Cleveland, ODOT is replacing the I-90 Innerbelt bridge - built in the 1950s - over the Cuyahoga River with two new bridges. The entire project will cost $567 million.

 

https://www.dispatch.com/article/20150222/NEWS/302229856

 

I recognize that there are a lot of federal dollars in the Dispatch numbers, and transit buses use roads and bridges, too.  But if we were serious about spending money wisely, we would do more to encourage and fund both intracity and intercity public transit.  If we can get more people out of their personal cars we'll all be better off -- including those who still need or prefer to drive a personal vehicle.  Safety, wear-and-tear on the roadways, the ability to be on your phone 24/7 (somewhat joking but I cannot remember the last time I was on an elevator with a millennial who wasn't on their phone, and everyone talks about seeing other drivers on their phones and/or knows someone who was in an accident while they or the other driver was on their phone -- it's the new normal.)

1 hour ago, Foraker said:

intercity public transit.

 

Yeah, we were about to have that with the 3C railway and the Obama administration gave Ohio some $480M or so for it. But then the people of Ohio elected anti-3C  Kasich who returned the money so now Ohioans are paying for rail in other states so those states are more competitive against Ohio (and we help them be so).

The road construction funding bonanza has been reignited in Ohio with the allocating of funds from the gas tax hike. I know that in Ohio "revenues derived from the motor vehicle fuel tax... for the purpose of providing financial assistance to public mass transportation systems." https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/getattachment/dccdfba7-5d67-4bed-89ed-25f30f60bf63/1983-031.aspx

 

But in the 2019 TRAC Applications, RTA applied for funding for its rail car replacement program. Its listed as one of the 27 projects which were applied for this year (of which 20 were funded, including over $180 million to Central Ohio roadways). http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/Pages/TRAC-Application.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 

 

 

RTA Application Link: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/2019 Applications Recieved/GCRTA Rail Car Replacement Program.pdf

 

Released today by TRAC - Final 2020 - 2023 Major New Construction Program List: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/trac/TRAC List/FINAL_20_23_MN_CONSTRUCTION_PROGRAM_LIST.pdf

15 minutes ago, NorthShore647 said:

The road construction funding bonanza has been reignited in Ohio with the allocating of funds from the gas tax hike. I know that in Ohio "revenues derived from the motor vehicle fuel tax... for the purpose of providing financial assistance to public mass transportation systems." https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/getattachment/dccdfba7-5d67-4bed-89ed-25f30f60bf63/1983-031.aspx

 

 

Lots of new lane-miles in that funding.  We already underfund roadway maintenance.  How much did we increase our maintenance costs with all these new lane-miles?  State Republicans are failing at fiscal responsibility again.

Interesting. I see they are throwing money everywhere. I’m not sure I-77 in summit cty needs expanded that soon. I’d wait for a federal “shovel ready” project to do it then. 

This is the group that is working to boost multi-modal transportation funding at the state level. This is the year that ODOT's two-year budget will be reviewed and approved by the Ohio General Assembly. Those actions will occur by April. Be sure to follow along and support this group's efforts....

 

MOVEOhio is a diverse state-wide coalition of advocates who represent the interests of everyday transportation users. Our vision is a better funded multi-modal transportation network in Ohio that prioritizes a complete network of affordable and accessible transportation options, including public transit, passenger and freight rail, and walkable, bikeable streets.

https://www.moveoh.io/

 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

 

Wow that proposal is an absolute disaster. 

https://www.cleveland.com/open/2021/02/gov-mike-dewines-transportation-budget-includes-millions-in-cuts-for-public-transit.html

Gov. Mike DeWine’s transportation budget includes millions in cuts for public transit

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Greater Cleveland RTA and other Ohio public transit agencies would see their state funding cut by millions of dollars under Gov. Mike DeWine’s state budget plan.

DeWine’s budget proposal for 2022 and 2023 would cut annual state funding for public transit agencies to $7.3 million. That compares to $70 million a year approved in the current two-year budget, although that was cut to around $63 million for this fiscal year as part of a broader state funding cut in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The DeWine administration’s 2022-2023 transportation budget plan also would reduce federal funding passed through for public transportation from $65.9 million this year to around $50 million, although the higher figure includes federal CARES Act money.

 

So basically DeWine proposes to fund Ohio public transportation at the generous rate of $0.62 per resident per YEAR.  62 g*d d*** cents.

 

 

I'd bet that they're doing this ahead of any transit funding that Biden might give to the states. 

That's so drastic that transit could barely function.

 

I sent a letter to all reps. 

 

 

On 2/11/2021 at 8:29 PM, jmecklenborg said:

I'd bet that they're doing this ahead of any transit funding that Biden might give to the states. 

There was this, just last month:
 

Quote

President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on Jan. 14 that includes a $20 billion investment to “protect the future of transit.”

The investment of $20 billion will go toward “the hardest hit public transit agencies. This relief will keep agencies from laying off transit workers and cutting the routes that essential workers rely on every day while making these transit systems more resilient and ensuring that communities of color maintain the access to opportunity that public transportation provides.”

Also within this provision is $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial governments to “ensure that they are in a position to keep front line public workers on the job and paid, while also effectively distributing the vaccine, scaling testing, reopening schools, and maintaining other vital services.”

https://www.railwayage.com/news/biden-20b-for-hardest-hit-public-transit-agencies/

Not sure if the ARP bill has changed since then or if it will change but I wonder if DeWine's move was strategic since that $20B will go to the 'hardest hit transit agencies.' Can you simply become one this late and qualify? From the way it's worded, it sounds like the $350B could technically go toward transit as well. I don't see why it wouldn't be considered a 'vital service.' That's pretty ambiguous. 

Edited February 26, 20214 yr by David

Matt Dolan responded to me yesterday and said that he agreed with me and he’d fight to keep the budget at $70 million. Shocking since he’s a republican, though I don’t know too much about him.

1 hour ago, JB said:

Matt Dolan responded to me yesterday and said that he agreed with me and he’d fight to keep the budget at $70 million. Shocking since he’s a republican, though I don’t know too much about him.

How did you contact him? I submitted a comment via his election web page on this issue on Tuesday and I haven’t heard anything back. I was going to try calling this afternoon, but I now I want to use whatever method of contact you used. I also contacted Dave Joyce on the Amtrak bill and Phil Robinson on both transit cuts and Amtrak - haven’t heard back from any of them. 
 

Also, when you read Matt Dolan’s campaign literature, you’d think he was a Democrat if it didn’t say R on it. I wonder if he sends different campaign literature to different precincts. Ha. 

On 2/26/2021 at 11:57 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

How did you contact him? I submitted a comment via his election web page on this issue on Tuesday and I haven’t heard anything back. I was going to try calling this afternoon, but I now I want to use whatever method of contact you used. I also contacted Dave Joyce on the Amtrak bill and Phil Robinson on both transit cuts and Amtrak - haven’t heard back from any of them. 
 

Also, when you read Matt Dolan’s campaign literature, you’d think he was a Democrat if it didn’t say R on it. I wonder if he sends different campaign literature to different precincts. Ha. 

I’d honestly have to look to see how I did it. I know it was a little while ago when Dewine first revealed he would be cutting funding. I’ll let you know.

On 2/26/2021 at 11:57 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

How did you contact him? I submitted a comment via his election web page on this issue on Tuesday and I haven’t heard anything back. I was going to try calling this afternoon, but I now I want to use whatever method of contact you used. I also contacted Dave Joyce on the Amtrak bill and Phil Robinson on both transit cuts and Amtrak - haven’t heard back from any of them. 
 

Also, when you read Matt Dolan’s campaign literature, you’d think he was a Democrat if it didn’t say R on it. I wonder if he sends different campaign literature to different precincts. Ha. 

I contacted Dolan too and Tom Patton--both through their legislative contact pages.  Tom Patton responded right away in support of restoring the funding.  It took Matt a few days, but he did respond. 

 

 

Today the Ohio House concurred with the Senate version of the odot funding bill. The Senate version includes a little bit more money for transit and also allows Cleveland RTA to request funds from TRAC for acquiring new rail cars.

 

Pending the governor's signature, a disaster has been averted. 

Was this affected by the uncertainty around timing of the Biden Administration transit money?

On 3/25/2021 at 7:58 PM, GCrites80s said:

Was this affected by the uncertainty around timing of the Biden Administration transit money?

 

Not to my knowledge. 

Ignoring an already enacted ODOT budget that has the transit budget, it looks like the new Senate version of the GRF budget has cut public transit by $14.7 million! It's listed as "DOT -- 775470 -- Public Transportation -- cut $14.7 million."

Building On Momentum: An argument for state investment in public transit in Ohio

 

Public transportation is a vital link for millions of Ohioans. In the four years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio's 65 public transit agencies averaged more than 100 million trips to residents in 84 of Ohio's 88 counties.

 

As state policy makers begin to turn their eyes on the state transportation budget in early 2023, Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) decided that now was the time to make the case for why now more than ever, it is crucial for the state of Ohio to be investing in public transportation.

 

Building on Momentum: An Argument for State Investment in Public Transit in Ohio, provides an assessment of both the current status of the state's public transportation infrastructure and capacity. The report focuses on why, given shortages of reliable workers, and a growing number of rural elderly and disabled residents who need transportation options, it is critical for Ohio to continue to maintain and grow the historic investments which have been made in public transportation since 2019.

 

Learn why Ohio must invest in system operations to meet market demand for 21st century transportation options with a diversified transportation network.

 

https://www.greaterohio.org/publications/2022/10/4/building-on-momentum-an-argument-for-state-investment-in-pubic-transit-in-ohio

1 hour ago, KJP said:

Building On Momentum: An argument for state investment in public transit in Ohio

 

Public transportation is a vital link for millions of Ohioans. In the four years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio's 65 public transit agencies averaged more than 100 million trips to residents in 84 of Ohio's 88 counties.

 

As state policy makers begin to turn their eyes on the state transportation budget in early 2023, Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) decided that now was the time to make the case for why now more than ever, it is crucial for the state of Ohio to be investing in public transportation.

 

Building on Momentum: An Argument for State Investment in Public Transit in Ohio,....

 

A 4-page report one which is the cover?  And they didn't really get into WHY transit is so important for Ohio---nor that we are like Mississippi when it comes to funding.....  Are they really pro-transit? Otherwise why such a lame and ineffective "report"?

 

 

 

 

 

ODOT, Office of Transit is hiring an Urban Transit Planner! This is an awesome opportunity for folks interested in urban transit. Position closes May 19.

 

Hybrid Telework Planner 3, PN 20064431

https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=230004J8&lang=en

11 hours ago, KJP said:

ODOT, Office of Transit is hiring an Urban Transit Planner! This is an awesome opportunity for folks interested in urban transit. Position closes May 19.

 

Hybrid Telework Planner 3, PN 20064431

https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=230004J8&lang=en

I wonder how the compensation compares to ODOT's "Director of Freeway Median Mowing" 😀

 

The ODOT website's "Who we are" is telling.   Only mentions highways and roadways....

 

Who We Are:

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) oversees building and maintaining the nation’s 5th largest interstate system and the 2nd largest number of bridges. We take pride in providing safe and efficient roadways for the people of Ohio and to the people traveling within our great state. 

Pennsylvania Shifted Cash From Highways to Transit – But Other States Could Go Even Further
"If your governor says they don't have money for transit, they are lying," said one advocate.

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2024/11/27/pennsylvania-shifted-cash-from-highways-to-transit-but-other-states-could-go-even-further