The Metro Mobility program needs full funding and a commitment of future growth. If you read my article you will find numbers and proposals from the Regional Transit Board (RTB) and the United Handicapped Federation (UHF). Both organizations are making concessions based on their assumption that the legislature is reluctant to continue funding a very good para-transit program which is under-funded.
The Metro Mobility program does just what a good public transit program is suppose to do – it attracts more users and gets better every year. If the MTC mainline bus system worked as well and had the growth of the Metro Mobility program, the people who run the MTC would get awards for their achievements. The idea that the Metro Mobility program should limit service or increase fares almost 100% to its consumers to stay within their budget is crazy. The current program works well, and could get better with the right funding. Funding must come from the State through general taxation, not from the people who can afford it least, the riders. The RTB should be looking at the Metro Mobility program with expansion of ridership and service in mind. Their request to the State Legislature should be to fund expansion, not to cut back or shift costs to riders.
One last note on this, I would like to thank Cyndie Mayer at the RTB for her help – explaining to me how the Metro Mobility program works, and where their funding comes and goes. Not an easy job!
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The State’s Health Care Bill is moving ahead in the legislature. Four of the five articles (HR1, HR2, HR3 & HR5) are now before the full Health and Human Service Committee for debate. HR4 is in the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, this
article deals with health insurance reform. It is important that we tell our elected officials – NOW – that we want a Universal Health Care Bill. It is one of those programs that will help everyone once it is completely in place. By providing affordable health care to all Minnesotans we will be investing in the fu ture. A healthy person is more likely to be a more productive person. Call your legislator today!
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With spring in the air I’m sure many of you (me included) are thinking of getting out and about in the warm sunshine. In this issue of ACCESS PRESS, we looked at some of the camps available
to many of us. One of our resources I think is under utilized by people with disabilities is the State Park system. A large number of the parks are accessible and can be used for day-trips, fishing and camping. Take a look at the grid we have provided and if you’re interested, give the Department of Tourism a call for further information. They have tons of maps, guides and suggestions on how you can make this summer memorable. Their telephone number is (612) 296-5029 – outstate 1-800-657-3700.
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ACCESS PRESS is trying to bring you the information you want, but we need your help. If you have anything you would like us to report or have suggestions, write or give me a call at 379-0989.
