The Pennsylvania Senate moved a GOP-backed plan to fund SEPTA and statewide transportation for two years forward on Tuesday, sending the proposal back to the House as Democrats signaled opposition.
Key points
– The funding plan is tied to House Bill 257 and would match Gov. Josh Shapiro’s request for $292 million for transportation and infrastructure in the state, but the money would come from the Public Transportation Trust Fund rather than sales tax revenue.
– Sen. Joe Picozzi, R-Philadelphia, proposed the amendment, arguing it would deliver nearly $1.2 billion for transit and roads across the commonwealth and introduce new accountability measures.
– The amendment aims to place more transit police on platforms and trains, impose tougher penalties for drug dealing in stations, and require transparent reporting so riders and taxpayers can see how funds are spent.
– Democrats in the Senate criticized the move, saying the Public Transportation Trust Fund is already earmarked for necessary upgrades and safety projects. Republicans counter that the fund has about $1.1 billion remaining and is sufficient to cover the costs.
– Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, called the proposal unserious and dangerous, warning that diverting capital funds could undermine safety and reliability for SEPTA and other transit agencies.
– House Democratic leaders, including Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, criticized the tactic as politics over fiscal responsibility, arguing it would jeopardize riders’ ability to get to work and school.
Next steps and context
– The plan now heads back to the Democratic-controlled House, where it’s expected to face opposition and potential modifications.
– If the House rejects or alters the amendment, a broader bargaining process would be needed to secure two years of transit funding and related safety upgrades.
– The underlying issue is funding stability for SEPTA and other transit systems: whether to rely on the Public Transportation Trust Fund or to finance through other revenue streams, and how to balance safety upgrades with ongoing capital needs.
Summary
The Senate approved a two-year funding approach for transportation and SEPTA via a Republican amendment to a transportation bill, proposing to use the Public Transportation Trust Fund rather than sales tax revenue. Democrats argue this would undermine earmarked safety and capital projects, while Republicans say the fund has enough remaining resources to cover the costs. The measure now goes to the House, where it is likely to encounter opposition as lawmakers hash out funding details and accountability measures.
Additional context and thoughts
– If a compromise is reached, there could be a pathway to stronger transit safety measures and clearer reporting on expenditures, potentially boosting rider confidence.
– The dynamic highlights ongoing tensions between fiscal strategy and funding guarantees for critical transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania.