In Cleveland, Samuelsen Calls for National Fightback

Transit workers rally in Cleveland
Transit workers rally in Cleveland

The Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010 would provide transit agencies with $2 billion in federal funds, with 100% flexibility to use those funds for operating expenses, reducing layoffs and restoring service.

Samuelsen told the crowd rallying in Public Square that “this is a fight that can’t be fought city by city. We’ve got to stand side by side and fight together. Alone we lose, together we win.” Accompanying Samuelsen were Local 100 Special Assistant to the President Harry Wills and Safety Director Earl Phillips.

The Rev. Jackson, repeating the mantra that he is placing into the national debate over climate change and economic security, said, “the heart of the green jobs revolution starts with the bus driver.” He pointed out that because mass transit takes cars off the road, it not only qualifies as green but reduces dependence on foreign oil.

The Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010 is sponsored by Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, with co-sponsors including New York Senator Chuck Schumer, New Jersey Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, and Ohio’s Sherrod Brown. It may be introduced as a rider to the war appropriations bill set to be voted on in the next week. All Local 100 members are urged to join Keep America Moving on our facebook page, www.facebook.com/keepamericamoving.org