With the ripple effects of our economic downturn putting state departments of transportation and local transit agencies in serious financial trouble, our federal government needs to make a firm commitment to investing in our crumbling infrastructure and providing Americans with affordable, efficient transportation options. In an excellent article in this week’s New York Times, writer [...]

Before the last presidential debate, we asked our supporters to sign a petition urging Sen. McCain and then Sen. Obama to tell us their plans for keeping America moving with smart transportation investments. President-elect Barack Obama responded to you and the campaign with a two-page thank-you letter we would like to share with you.

Communications Director David Goldberg responds to David Brooks’ op-ed called “A National Mobility Project,” praising his support of investing in infrastructure, but also pointing out the shortcomings of his 1950′s thinking on transportation.

The Baltimore Sun endorses Congressional Democrats’ plan to jolt the economy with a second stimulus package directed towards job-creating transportation projects.

Sarah Karush of the Associated Press examined Transportation for America’s plan to rebuild our economy with smart investment in infrastructure, and found support from Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening. The entire article is printed below.

Transportation for America’s five-point plan for building better infrastructure and invigorating our economy earns some attention in the Riverside Press Enterprise. (Dug Begley)

CNN looks at the presidential candidates’ plans for investing in infrastructure, highlighting John McCain’s focus on cutting back earmarks and Barack Obama’s proposal to create an infrastructure bank. (Tami Luhby)

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and others are pushing for second stimulus package that would jumpstart our economy with a targeted investment in infrastructure. (Dallas Morning News — Michael Lindenberg)

Transportation for America’s policy director Mariia Zimmerman pushed for a 21st century infrastructure system in an op-ed for PBS this week, outlining a five-point plan for making our transportation system cleaner, more affordable, and better suited to meet the needs of Americans. The entire article is posted below, and is also available on PBS’ website.

Prominent economist Robert Reich argues that with all signs pointing to the economic recession getting worse, now is an important time for government to invest in education, health care, and infrastructure. (New York Times)