HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry today issued the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s ongoing consideration of legislation to fund mass transit and road and bridge infrastructure:
“The PA Chamber appreciates the continued focus on mass transit and transportation infrastructure funding and urges lawmakers and Governor Shapiro to work together in an expeditious, bicameral, and bipartisan manner to craft pragmatic funding and reform legislation that meets the Commonwealth’s transportation needs.
“The General Assembly has advanced important provisions aimed at modernizing Pennsylvania’s approach to infrastructure investment and promoting greater accountability and safety. These goals are shared priorities for the business community, which depends on a well-connected, multimodal transportation network – including roads, bridges, and public transit – to support economic growth, workforce mobility, and regional connectivity.
“We support a comprehensive approach that complements any funding proposals with meaningful reforms to strengthen Pennsylvania’s transportation systems statewide, including other pending proposals to support transit agencies. For example, Senate Bill 383 should be included in a final compromise to modernize the decades-old law that caps damages when transit agencies are subject to civil lawsuits. Otherwise, the law is currently at risk of being declared unconstitutional, which transit agencies have warned could create severe financial distress.
“Additionally, we encourage lawmakers to consider revenue generation proposals that are the product of compromise. For instance, we understand the rideshare industry has expressed openness to considering additional taxes or fees as part of a package that would include language they have sought to codify key elements of their workforce structure. Such a compromise would not only generate revenue but also benefit consumers by providing stability to the industry.
“We understand the gravity of the moment and appreciate the sentiment expressed by many lawmakers that all options should be on the table. We look forward to working with policymakers to reach a thoughtful and swift resolution to this priority.”