Update: 4/24/09

I just spoke to 1000 Friends of Oregon's Garick Jensky, who watched both public hearings. He said that two cycling advocates testified at Thursday's hearing, both asking for the inclusion of the words "non-motorized transportation" in HB 2001; the funding increase from 1% to 1.5% was not specifically mentioned. The testimony from today's hearing was also generally supportive of bike/ped investment, as well as payroll tax increase for transit and greenhouse gas planning provisions. A work session is scheduled Monday, and you can watch it live at the Oregon State Legislature website.

You can also still write a letter to your legislators in support of the bill. Environment Oregon makes it easy.

Original post

The Oregon House Transportation Committee heard testimony yesterday at the first public hearing for the Governor's Jobs and Transportation Act, including statements from two Oregon Bike Summit participants. Two more public hearings are scheduled this week: one this afternoon at 5:30 PM, and Friday at 1:00 PM in Hearing Room D.

Bike and pedestrian advocates are urged to testify specifically in support of the provision to increase funding for non-motorized transportation from 1% to 1.5%, to make sure it's included in the final package. This is your chance to support a bill that will provide critical funding for road maintenance, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

1000 Friends of Oregon offers these tips for testifying:
When you arrive at the capitol remember to sign up early to testify. You will be asked to provide 25 written copies of your testimony at the time you are called upon to speak. Each person will likely have 2 or 3 minutes total to speak. Please call Tara Sulzen at 503-497-1000 if you plan on attending.

If you can't attend, contact your state Senator and Representative to let them know you support the provision for increasing bicycle and pedestrian funding.

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.