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| July 27, 2010 |
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Tell Congress it's 30/10 or Bust
Los Angeles is home to one of the most innovative economic
stimulus plans yet — the 30/10 Initiative. However, the world's creative capital still needs our nation's capital
to make it a reality. Your voice is
critical to telling our local Congressional delegation that they must lead the
charge on 30/10.
If you haven't heard about 30/10, it is Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's
plan to build three decades worth of voter-approved L.A. County transportation
projects within the next 10 years. Accelerating construction will provide an immediate, multibillion dollar
injection into our local economy and create 160,000 jobs. More mass transit options will improve
mobility, help the environment and strengthen our overall quality of life.
The funding concept is simple. In 2008, L.A. County voters approved Measure R, a one-half
cent sales tax increase to generate $35-40 billion over the next 30 years. We are asking the federal
government to use this guaranteed funding stream as collateral for a
low-interest loan and long-term bonds to get these projects done now. This is not a handout or an unfunded spending
program, but rather a smart federal template for assisting "self-help"
regions. In fact, the concept is now
being viewed as a model for fiscally responsible infrastructure investments
around the nation.
None of this will happen without the sustained and active
engagement of our county's Congressional delegation. New legislation is required for the new bonds
and upfront loan guarantees. Unfortunately, Congress is set to adjourn for election season without
taking action so our next opportunity is after they return to Washington, D.C.
Now is the time for our members of Congress to hear from
you. Contact our delegation to make 30/10 a top priority. Click here for sample text. And if you are meeting with a member of Congress
or their staff here in the L.A. area, make sure to tell them that now is the time to lead on 30/10.
Business, labor, environmental and community leaders have
united together in support of this landmark initiative. Its 30/10 or bust. Let’s make it happen.
And that’s The Business Perspective. |
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