Johnson joined by Reps. Williams, Bourdeaux, Garcia in co-leading introduction of bill to build public transportation serving affordable housing and low-income communities
Johnson pushing for inclusion of “Public Transportation Expansion Act” in reconciliation bill
ATLANTA, GA — Following his push to create dedicated federal funding for transit with his Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act (H.R. 3744) this summer, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), senior member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, today introduced the Public Transportation Expansion Act alongside Reps. Nikema Williams (GA-05), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07) and Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04).
Bill text HERE.
The House companion to the Senate bill being introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), would for the first time fund construction of public transportation specifically connecting affordable housing with transit networks in order to serve riders and commuters in low-income communities.
The Public Transportation Expansion Act will create a Federal grant program to fund public transportation expansion to serve low-income communities and connect affordable housing with transit networks.
“When we understand that mobility is essential to freedom – to control your own destiny – we understand that investing in transit in places that have historically been underserved is an investment in people,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m pleased to introduce the companion legislation of the Public Transportation Expansion Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to invest in a new, one-of-a-kind program that will connect affordable housing with transit options so people can access health care, education and employment opportunities. I thank Sens. Ossoff, Warnock and Cortez-Masto and Reps. Garcia, Williams and Bourdeaux for their leadership in understanding mobility is essential for opportunity, health, and quality of life for all our constituents.”
“Connected communities are thriving communities,” said Rep. Nikema Williams. “For too long, Black, Brown, and low-income communities have been left behind in transit expansion. I’m fighting for these historic, intentional investments because it’s more than a bus route or train. This legislation is a direct line to economic opportunity for everyone, no matter your ZIP Code or your bank account.”
Rep. Bourdeaux said: “Inadequate public transportation hurts communities and hurts our economy. As our cities grow and congestion increases, it is more critical than ever to have public transportation alternatives that work for everyone. I am proud to join Senator Ossoff in introducing this legislation. Strengthening our economy, addressing climate change, and futurefitting our communities depend on making historic investments like this in our nation’s transit infrastructure.”
“Diverse, working class communities like those I represent on the Southwest and Northwest sides of Chicago, need bold investments in equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD) to connect people via public transit to affordable housing, jobs, and other essential services like health care and school,” said Rep. García. “We must bring America’s transportation and housing infrastructure into the 21st century to break down the physical barriers separating affordable housing options from good paying jobs, and undo decades of disinvestment in communities of color. Our legislation is a crucial first step”.
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