72 Hours to Secure Michigan Rail Funds; Call Now to Get Senate On Board

Senator Bishop: Let's roll!

As you may have heard, Michigan received $161 million in federal rail funds last month to speed up the Chicago-Detroit-Pontiac train corridor traversed by Amtrak's Wolverine. To take these first steps towards world-class rail service, however, the Michigan Legislature needs to approve a $35 million local match before closing shop on Thursday, December 2.

That sounds simple enough. Our state needs all the help it can get, and a guaranteed four-fold federal return on state investment is a darn good deal. The Michigan House has already passed the bill to provide state funds. Unfortunately, with only three days left, it's still unclear whether the Republican-controlled Senate will even vote on it.

That's why we need to call Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop today. Urge Bishop to allow a vote this week on the rail funding bill, HB 6484. Naturally, we'd appreciate if Bishop would support the bill as well. Bishop's number is 517-373-2417.

 Once you've called Bishop, call your state senator too and ask the same. You can find your senator here. It's especially critical to reach Senators Pappageorge (south Oakland County) and Richardville (Monroe and southern Washtenaw). More information is available at Transportation Riders United.

Two months ago, we reported that "Rail Improvements Will Reach Vast Majority of Michiganders, If Lansing Gets on Board." That's never been more true than today. Don't delay - take a moment right now to make government do right, and speak out for a transport system that serves the people of Michigan.