Amendment 461

Didja catch this flying processed meat product: DeMint is such a jerk...I just sent this to my senators, adapted from a note from WABA. You can mine use it if you want, or write your own version:

I've just been informed that Senator DeMint (R-SC) has offered an amendment to the stimulus bill to SPECIFICALLY prohibit funding for infrastructure projects that promote bicycling and walking. The amendment ONLY goes after bicycle, walking, and offroad vehicle funding. The Amendment has been offered but not introduced. If this Amendment comes to a vote, I urge you to vote against it and ensure that funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure remains eligible for the transportation funds provided in the stimulus package. In case you don't understand why DeMint's Amendment is pure nonsense, here are some of the reasons: 1. Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate than highway projects. 2. Bike-ped projects are often on the smaller side of things, which means they have lower non-payroll expenses, and allows them to progress quickly, hire local contractors, and help local economies. 3. Safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives our citizens and residents inexpensive transportation options, which are particularly crucial in hard times. 4. Improving sidewalks and bike lanes fosters a sense of place and community, and helps people participate in local economies. It helps people get to know their neighbors, to care about each other, and to support each other in hard times. Thanks for reading. Sincerely, David Moskovitz