The Transportation Industry Will Be Impacted By The Elections
Regardless of your party affiliation, it is important that we all show up to cast our ballots this year. The decisions made by our state and Federal politicians have a lasting impact on us and the transportation industry. Not only is it important to elect officials who will advocate for us, there are many transportation-related measures appearing on ballots or currently in the legislative process.
Transportation Related Issues on the Ballot
There are a variety of impactful issues on the ballot or bills already in the works that the elected officials will determine the outcome of. SEMA has a ‘Drive the Vote’ initiative to inform and encourage people in the automotive industry to get out and vote. SEMA Action Network (SAN) tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the auto industry. Some bills will not advance past introduction, but some will go on to become the laws in the future.
Here are a few of the issues on the line to be aware of:
- Infrastructure Improvements in Nashville
- Extending Transit Funding in Phoenix
- Sales Taxes for Infrastructure Projects in South Carolina
- Mandated Speed Limit Technology in New York
- Reducing Automotive Emissions in multiple states
- Autonomous Vehicle Legislation in multiple states
- Protection for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in multiple states
Legislation to Tackle Fraud
The TIA has been working tirelessly to meet with members of Congress to help with ongoing issues in our industry. They were recently able to obtain co-sponsors for H.R. 8505, also known as the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, to help address freight fraud. The bill would restore and codify the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s authority to issue civil penalties against scammers. This is just a bill so it will depend on who is elected into office to get this passed into law. Another reason to show up and cast your vote!
After the Election Action
Once the election is done, the fiscal 2025 funding legislation must be passed. Lawmakers will prioritize this after the November elections. Transport Topics reports “Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a fiscal 2025 transportation bill allocating $964.5 million to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. A House committee-passed version would provide $909 million to the federal trucking regulator. Notably, the House bill includes $200 million for expanding parking access for commercial truck operators.” We all know this is a critical issue to our industry.
We hope you all make your voice heard by getting out there to vote!
Sources:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/congress-funds-fall-2024