Why Do Public Transit Agencies Need Lobbyists to Be Heard?
In a democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions. But over time, lobbyists have stepped in to push for specific causes.
The Role of Lobbyists
Some of these causes are important, like medical research or environmental protection. Others are more about business interests, like mining or pharmaceuticals.
The Case of Westmoreland County Transit Authority
Lobbying has its place, but it's not right that public bodies, like transit authorities, need to hire lobbyists to get the attention of lawmakers.
- Example: Westmoreland County Transit Authority was paying $48,000 a year to lobbyists.
- Recent Decision: They decided to stop using these services, not because they want to stop advocating for their needs, but because they are looking for a better deal.
The Importance of Public Transit
Public transit is crucial for many people, especially:
- Seniors
- Disabled individuals
- Workers
It's not fair that these agencies, which already have limited funds, have to spend money just to be heard by their elected representatives.
The State Government and Lobbying
The state government in Harrisburg operates on votes, voices, and money. Lobbyists can be loud and influential, making it hard for regular voters to compete. This system makes lobbying seem like the only way to get attention from lawmakers.
Budget and Funding Issues
While Westmoreland was deciding whether to keep paying for lobbying, the state released a budget with no new funding for public transit. This includes:
- Small bus networks
- Larger systems like Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA)
Governor Josh Shapiro proposed increasing the sales tax for transit, which could have brought in hundreds of millions of dollars. But lawmakers turned it down. Instead, Shapiro announced $219.9 million in funding for SEPTA, showing that only the loudest voices get attention.
The Struggle of Public Transit Agencies
Public transit agencies operate in a tough environment. The state only invests when it has to, and transit authorities have to fight to make their needs known. That's why they hire lobbyists. The lack of funding is why they are needed, why they can't be afforded, and why they shouldn't have to be hired in the first place.
The Need for Change
Small transit agencies shouldn't have to beg for scraps while lawmakers focus on other things. They shouldn't have to buy attention. It's clear that many voters rely on buses to get to work, school, and other important places. Public transit is not a luxury; it's a necessity. And transit authorities shouldn't need to pay someone to tell their elected representatives what they already know.
