Business and Labor Agree: Transportation Investments Can't Wait

by Blair Latoff

Though we spar with labor unions over many issues there are many others were we agree and work together. Case in point, this post over the weekend in the Politico's Arena by Terry O'Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers' International Union of North America, and Tom J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

As Congress returns from the August recess and Americans return from summer vacation, we are reminded once again of inadequacies in our transportation systems – growing congestion, poor conditions, and insufficient capacity. The federal government must step up to its responsibility to ensure that our infrastructure system is supporting economic growth, personal mobility, and safety. Infrastructure is about more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about creating good jobs, enhancing our international competitiveness, being a global leader, quality of life and public safety.

On September 30th, Congress will face the expiration of the federal highway, public transportation and safety programs that provide needed investments throughout the country. Unfortunately the Administration and some in Congress are calling for an 18 month delay in the effort. Why wait? Why put off until tomorrow what we need today? The simple answer is that they lack the political will to raise the investments it will take to build America. They would rather wait until the next election – but America needs transportation improvements and the jobs that come with them now.

Tackling this critical issue is a win-win for Congress and the Obama Administration. Not only will a well-crafted bill help address mounting safety and maintenance needs around the country, it can guide new investments to ensure our transportation systems are optimized for more efficient use and expanded where capacity is needed. In turn, these investments will help address national energy and environmental objectives and help drive economic recovery by creating jobs.

Read the entire piece here.