WASHINGTON, DC— Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), offers the following statement in response to the House FY 2013 budget resolution released by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI):
“The Ryan budget resolution released today is the worst for transportation that we have ever seen.
“It not only turns a blind eye toward programs that would create millions of middle-class jobs, help seniors and assist the most vulnerable in American society, it also leaves our transportation system in a state of ruin.
“This budget blueprint would slash transportation spending from $88.6 billion in FY 2012 to $57.1 billion in FY 2013. This couldn’t come at a worse time. Our transit systems are cutting service and jobs at a time when Amtrak, commuter rail and bus systems are seeing ridership at their second highest level since 1957.
“Meanwhile, our airports and air traffic control systems are capital starved as airline passenger travel is projected by the FAA to nearly double in the next 20 years. Our highways and bridges are falling apart causing massive traffic delays that threaten the economy and safety. And our seaports and navigation channels are falling behind in much needed infrastructure improvements at a time when we need to ready our maritime system to deliver on President Obama’s plan to boost exports.
“Perhaps worst of all, the cuts in this budget to vital national interests such as transportation and retirement security are used, yet again, to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. What a disgrace.
“With every passing month, voters are tiring of elected leaders who ignore our national interests only to score points with the most extreme special interest groups on the political spectrum.”
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The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, represents 32 member unions in the aviation, rail, transit, motor carrier, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit us at www.ttd.org or on Facebook and Twitter.
