Congress & Heart Working on Transportation Bill Reauthorization

The United States Congress is actively working on legislation referred to as the “Transportation Reauthorization.” This broad piece of legislation provides the multi-year funding for surface transportation programs.

On the surface, this may not seem like something the Heart Association and You’re the Cure would be actively involved in but, the legislation is our chance to make sure that the federal government funds and prioritizes important active transportation programs that help promote active, healthy and safe transportation options for all Americans.

The American Heart Association supports safe and equitable active transportation policy in all communities. These policies should incorporate consistent implementation, evaluation and prioritize equity. Examples of programs and policies that the AHA and YTC are pushing Congress to support are; Complete Streets policies, Safe Routes to School, biking and pedestrian infrastructure projects like designated bike lanes and hiking trails.

As Congress considers this legislation, YTC is implementing a “full court press” to achieve our goals.  In addition to our federal team continuing to lobby key Congressional stakeholders, in the coming weeks we will launch a grassroots campaign so YTC advocates can easily contact their members of Congress. We will also provide sample letters to the editor that could be submitted to local papers calling on Congress to prioritize active transportation programs and we will cap things off by hosting a “fly-in.” During the fly-in we will host YTC advocates in Washington D.C. and they will meet with members of Congress who will have the most influence over the transportation reauthorization. These face-to-face meetings will be extremely important and have the potential to make a big impact.

If you would like more information on what YTC is doing to support active transportation policies please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. Over the next few weeks, please be on the lookout for ways you can help in this important, life-saving effort and always remember that in the fight against heart disease and stroke, YOU’RE THE CURE!