As I write this message, the Commonwealth does not yet have a budget in place for 2009-2010. Unless you just emerged from a cave somewhere outside of Penn's Woods, you know the budget should have been passed by June 30th and the negotiation process between the Administration and the State Legislature has been extraordinarily contentious.

It's interesting to watch the budget process from the Harrisburg perspective. Every special interest has been lobbying like mad to save their slice of the state funding pie. The prevailing message to the budget protagonists seems to be -don't cut my programs, cut the fat in the budget somewhere else and by the way, don't even consider a tax increase! State employees who could be facing a blank paycheck very shortly are ratcheting up the rhetoric too. They can't be blamed for wanting to get paid for their work and they are letting everyone know it.

Citizen response to the cuts and the proposed income tax increase is noteworthy too. Most are reacting with indifference to the cuts (unless they have a special cause) and there is an almost visceral negative reaction to the tax increase. Small wonder in this economy.

The budget process is shaping up to be a battle royal. ...More

Recently, Representative James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the long-anticipated first draft of the Surface Transportation authorization bill to replace the expiring SAFETEA-LU legislation. While the draft of the bill marks notable progress towards reforming our nation's crumbling transportation system, significant gaps remain that could prevent the creation of a smart, safe and clean transportation system that provides real, affordable options for all Americans.

"Chairman Oberstar and his committee members have done us all a great service in launching the discussion of updating our nation's transportation program for the 21st century," said James Corless, director of Transportation for America. "This year's bill represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set America on a new course and it is essential that we get it right."

The bill would increase the investment in public transit from current levels, while making enormous strides to restore our existing highways, bridges and transit facilities to good condition. Also promising is the increased funding and latitude given to metropolitan areas, as well as a requirement that metros link housing, climate, energy and other national priorities to their transportation plans.

Authorization of a new transportation bill occurs only once every six years and this bill has the potential to redefine how the American people get around for generations, just as the highway system envisioned by President Eisenhower more than 60 years ago still defines us today. This bill represents a step towards helping the nation meet the growing demand for streets that are safe and inviting for people on foot and bicycle, fast light rail, buses that serve every neighborhood not just some, and roads maintained and in good repair.

In response to the release of the House bill, the Obama administration released its own set of transportation objectives. Secretary LaHood has asked Congress for an 18 month extension of the current transportation bill to avoid insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Additionally the administration seeks the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank to fund large-scale projects on a merit-based system.

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania works as an alliance of organizations and individuals committed to promoting land use policies and actions that will enable Pennsylvania to strengthen its diverse urban, suburban and rural communities. Through a diverse coalition focused on a positive agenda, we seek proactive solutions and options for local, regional and state leaders.