Alabama Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, has filed a bill to establish a new funding mechanism to improve public transportation in the state. Currently, Alabama ranks low in terms of available public transportation. The bill, Senate Bill 11, would introduce an additional $5 charge to annual license tax and registration fees for motor vehicles, generating an estimated $26 million annually. Despite not advancing in the 2024 session, Coleman-Madison is hopeful for the upcoming legislative session starting on Feb. 4.
The low labor participation rate in Alabama is a concern, with transportation being a key factor. The bill aims to provide seed money to help local governments create a transit system, with the possibility of a four-to-one federal match for investments in public transportation. This federal match could have a significant impact on improving the state’s labor participation rate.
Dev Wakeley, worker policy advocate for Alabama Arise, supports the bill and argues that investing in public transportation is crucial for enabling marginalized communities to participate fully in public life. Beyond improving the labor participation rate, investing in public transit can help individuals access healthcare, vote, and simply socialize.
The bill has the potential to bring positive changes to Alabama’s public transportation system and address one of the root causes of the state’s low labor participation rate. By providing reliable and accessible transportation options, the state can empower its residents and promote economic development.
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