Allies for Transportation 24/7

Getting There Together: The Seeds Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Folks,

I was surprised to see the rack of vegetable seeds when I was checking out at Harvest Health last Saturday.

My gardening friends told me that I need to get with it--seed catalogues for 2012 have long since been delivered (arriving way back on January 3rd) and those little kernels of possibilities need to start getting into some soil (inside of course) if one wants to be ready for outdoor planting season in a few short months.

The aisles at Harvest Health aren't the only places where signs of hope and potential are appearing. The world of public transportation is filling with seeds of possibility which need sowing and tending.

Anyone want to grow a 21st century transportation system?

The first place we turn for such seeds is Governor Snyder's State of the State address which was delivered last week. His printed outline had three nuggets for our tending.

Transportation and infrastructure: Ask Legislature to hold hearings on bills that will give Michigan a transportation system for the 21st century.
We are under-investing in our roads by $1.4 billion. No one in Michigan is satisfied with our roads. Let's solve this problem now.
Need to address regional transit in Southeastern Michigan. Bus rapid transit system.

Yesterday, the House and the Senate planted many of the bills which could grow into the laws and funding streams which the Governor spoke about last Wednesday and last October. I'm guessing we will need to explore these seeds in more detail in the next week and see what growth is being planned and how we'll need to be called into action in Lansing.

Yes, plenty of seeds ready for us-will they be seeds of action and seeds of change? I'm hoping so.

All for today.

Dave.

Disability Advocates of Kent County.
Empowering Independence.
3600 Camelot SE.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
(616) 949-1100.

dave.b @ dakc.us

New ESPA Products (Easter Seals Project Action)

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Four new products from Easter Seals Project Action were announced in the ESPA Update for Fall, 2011.

Two of the products will be especially of interest to Transportation Workgroup members:

Effective Advisory Committees: A Guide to Establishing and Maintaining an Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation. (We call them Local Advisory Committees, or LAC)
Including People with Disabilities: Communication and Meeting Etiquette.

These products are described in the Update as follows:

The third product is titled Effective Advisory Committees: A Guide to Establishing and Maintaining an Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation. This guidebook will serve as a helpful resource both to transit agencies that are considering creating an advisory committee for the first time and to agencies that are looking to make their current advisory committee more efficient.

And the fourth product, Including People with Disabilities: Communication & Meeting Etiquette, is a pocket guide on common courtesies and inclusion. Our technical assistance staff members regularly receive questions about how organizations can appropriately include people with disabilities in public meetings and the community planning process. The Including People with Disabilities: Communication & Meeting Etiquette pocket guide is designed to raise awareness of the needs individuals may have in a meeting setting or one-on-one conversation and provides recommendations on how to create a comfortable, accessible environment for each participant. From communication to creating accessible environments, the guide’s tips form a foundation for creating a welcoming atmosphere for people with physical disabilities.

All products will be available at no cost by order or download from www.projectaction.org.

Project Action has many other resources for public transportation advocates. For example:

The Fall 2011 Update includes information on Complete Streets, with recommendations for snow removal policies.
A recent webinar was offered on Determining ADA Paratransit Eligibility: An Approach, Guidance and Training Materials. The materials for that webinar, along with the webinar transcripts, are available at: http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=34619&autologin=true

I hope you find these tools useful for your work with your local transit agency.

Glenn Ashley, UCP Michigan.

December Success Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Livingston RICC:

Met with Sen. Cogswell.

Working on millage for next year.

Genesee RICC:

Rep. Paul Scott from this area was recalled.

Attended the Downtown Development Authority meeting.

New Mayor has been elected.

Kalamazoo RICC:

RICC Chair Josh Stephens was appointed to the LAC.

Jackson Transit:

His agency got a clean air emissions bus with federal funds.

Clinton Transit:

With a New Freedom grant they got a few new mini-vans that are accessible. They also trained new volunteer drivers for medical appointments in and out of the county, and they stay with the person during their appointments. They can also pick up their prescriptions afterwards along with groceries, etc.

E.U.P. RICC:

They followed up from last meeting and learned that there is local transit for outlying areas, but you have to get to a certain “bus stop” it isn’t door to door.

Delta RICC:

Participated in a “Shred the Hate” parade and got many pledges and passed out coins and gift certificates.

Getting There Together: The Dream Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Folks,

As our nation celebrates and honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of working for justice, it is time to get serious about our work for transportation equity.

The first thing I remember reading of Dr. King's is his Letter from a Birmingham Jail. I invite you to take a moment and re-read these words from nearly 50 years ago.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

With those immortal words, he began the explanation of why an Atlanta pastor would travel to Birmingham, Alabama to lead civil disobedience. If you haven't taken a moment yet to read his words, click here.

Some of you may be thinking, "Well, that's a great speech to get us motivated about working for justice, but what does that have to do with public transportation?"

My short answer--a lot!

As we have been saying for years, it's not about more buses and more hours of service, it's about access to opportunity and inclusion and building a welcoming community. More buses and increased service simply open up more opportunities and building a stronger community.

It's about getting there together.

--------------

This line of reasoning is nothing that we have instigated. In fact, there is a national coalition, Transportation Equity Network, which is working for transportation justice in our nation, states and individual communities. The TEN platform resounds with our work very well:

1)    Economic Growth for All Through Fair Access to Transportation-Related Jobs
2)    Access to Opportunity Through Increased Funding for Mass Transit
3)    Accountability in Government Through Increased Community Input into Local and State Planning and Funding Processes
4)    Sustainable Development Through Smart and Equitable Growth

The vehicle to Dr. King's dream of just community and more is still a bus (and a train and a sidewalk, and even a carpool or two).

----------------

As we look at our work to support and expand public transportation in 2012, let us re-focus our lens of justice.

As we work to implement the Kent County Transit Needs Assessment, one comparison is striking. On one hand, look at the growing quality and quantity of The Rapid service in the six urban cities. Compare that to the level of service which continues to shrink in the communities outside of The Rapid service area. One example is that County Connection is ending on February 19th. This is because the federal grant which supports this service is coming to an end. What opportunities will now be out of reach because of this? What jobs? Schools? Doctors' offices? Places of worship?

Second, we have Gov. Snyder calling for increased investment in our state's transportation system. As you listen to his State of the State address tonight, listen with an ear tuned to justice. Will he speak of opening opportunities to all? Will he talk about a transportation system which supports justice and equity? And then, in the coming weeks and months, will the House and Senate get serious about spanning the gap between the amount of revenue we collected in 2011 and the amount of need in 2012? How important will this issue be as the State looks at its to-do list?

-------------

Finally for today, what else would Dr. King do but call us to prayer?

Well, Faith In Motion is doing just that!

On Monday, February 20th, Faith In Motion is reprising its Prayer for the Last Bus which occurred in November 1999 with Prayer at the End of the Line. Join many of us as we venture north on Plainfield Avenue where the buses don't go any further. There Faith In Motion will hold an interfaith prayer service for those whose lives need to cross this municipal line--those dreaming for an easy way to go north into the townships and those in the townships who dream to come into The Rapid service area.

I have a good feeling that Dr. King will be there in spirit. Faith In Motion members hope to see you there in spirit.

All for today.

Dave
Disability Advocates of Kent County
     Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b @ dakc.us

Getting There Together Weekly: The Annual Trick or Treat Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Folks,

Trick or Treat!

The annual parade of candy seeking mendicants is upon us.

Happy Halloween!

As I went searching for the right costume, I did not see a Governor Snyder mask in the top ten list of the Most Popular Costumes for 2011. I think the makers of costumes are missing a trend that will likely grow.

As you have been forewarned over the past few weeks, Governor Snyder rolled out his plan for Michigan's infrastructure on Wednesday. Click on this link if you'd like to read the entire text of his address.

Remember what was suggested last week as possible solutions to our current transportation crisis? In reading what the governor said, I think he was listening to us when we put forth such things as:

Ensuring that the Michigan Department of Transportation adopts a statewide complete streets policy that is clear, comprehensive, and provides an effective framework for how state and local officials and citizens work together.
Allocating transportation funding strategically by investing in rail, public transit and non-motorized options to build a 21st century multi-modal transportation system.
Establishing a Regional Transit Authority that would coordinate and oversee regional public transit service in southeast Michigan.
Giving regions additional options to increase local and regional revenue for transit.
Capitalizing on the recent federal award by ensuring that our rail passenger rail infrastructure continues to expand and connect to cities and towns across the state.

He definitely hit some of these more than others. Check it out and see how well you think his plan will result in a 21st century infrastructure for Michigan.

Now back to my search for a Governor Snyder mask.

One of the keys of the governor's message for me is that he did not give us a complete plan ready for implementation. Rather, he is now standing before every Michigan home, not with a demand, but a question:

"Trick or Treat?"

He is asking each of us to participate in the dialogue over the next few months concerning the types and amounts of infrastructure investments Michigan wants to see and would be willing to pay for: "Snyder calls for public discussion on road funding increase."

Thus, I am looking for a Gov. Snyder mask to wear as I work to start a conversation or two on this critical topic. What kind of Michigan do we want to live in? What kind of infrastructure do we want or need to support that vision? My discussion theme:

"Trick or Treat?"

Others have already begun the conversation.

Check out this op ed from the Free Press: Good roads cost, and Gov. Snyder's plan faces up to that reality.

And here's a piece from our neighbors to the west in Muskegon: Muskegon County Road Commission director takes wait-and-see approach to Gov. Snyder's road improvement plan.

These two signify only the beginning of the conversations over the next few months at kitchen tables, neighborhood coffee shops and a State Capitol Building near you.

So, what will it be Michigan? Trick or Treat?

All for today.

Dave Bulkowski.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b@dakc.us

September Success Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Newaygo RICC

Had a Sept 22, 2011 conference on transportation needs
Studying anti-bullying
Presentation about alternatives to guardianship

Genesee RICC

Sue Hart is back in action

From the DD Council Transportation Work Group

Getting There Together Weekly: The Last Call to the Governor Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Folks,

The last moment to communicate with Governor Snyder concerning his Special Statement on Infrastructure. It is time to tell Governor Snyder to move Michigan forward!

As Governor Snyder makes the final preparations to roll out his plan for infrastructure next Wednesday, so far, most of the dialogue has been about roads. While fixing our current transportation system is important, we need to acknowledge that strategic investment in rail, bus transit, and complete streets can help revitalize our cities and towns, reconnect people to jobs and opportunity, and reduce our transportation expenses.

Act now to tell Governor Snyder that you support solutions that will bring Michigan's infrastructure into the 21st Century. There are easy ways you can tell the Governor that you want more than "business as usual" transportation planning and policy:

Sign the online petition: http://signon.org/sign/tell-governor-snyder-2?source=c.url&r_by=1273297 and pass it on via facebook or twitter
Call Governor Snyder: (517) 373-3400
Email Governor Snyder: Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov
Visit the Transportation for Michigan facebook page.

Looking for discussion starters for your conversation with Governor Snyder? Consider the following solutions:

Invest in roads that let us walk and bike safely
Ensure the Michigan Department of Transportation adopts a statewide complete streets policy that is clear, comprehensive, and provides an effective framework for how state and local officials and citizens work together.
Invest in transportation choices
Allocate transportation funding strategically by investing in rail, public transit, and non-motorized options to build a 21st century multimodal transportation system.
Coordinate regional transit service
Establish a Regional Transit Authority that would coordinate and oversee regional public transit service in southeast Michigan. This would ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness for the region's transit service.
Give regions additional options to increase local and regional revenue for transit
Pass legislation that enables local communities and regions to choose from options to their fund their local transportation needs, with county or regional sales tax a top priority.
Invest in rail
Capitalize on the recent federal award by ensuring that our rail passenger rail infrastructure continues to expand and connect to cities and towns across the state.

These solutions will position Michigan for place-based economic development and result in vibrant places where people want to live and businesses want to remain and grow.

(And be forewarned that next week's edition may suggest a few follow up steps to the Governor's actual words.)

David Bulkowski
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b @ dakc.us

Transform Michigan's Transportation Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:33:00 +0000

This is an invitation to check out a new state-wide effort to transform Michigan's transportation policy--Trans4M.

This recently launched coalition has room for you to climb on board. DAKC is a member of this coalition and, for today, my invitation is for you to check out our guiding principles and who we are. As you're imagining your organization being a part of this work at the state-level, be prepared for a more formal invitation coming from me in the next week or two.

As we work to transform Michigan's transportation policy, we will need every one's help--no one can skip out on this opportunity!

from Dave Bulkowski
Getting There Together Weekly: Skipped Edition Edition

What's up in Washington?

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:26:00 +0000

Folks,

The question can be read both as an innocent request for information or a judgement of the information received.

I think I'll use both.

What's up in Washington?

It's been almost two years since our nation had a transportation authorization bill. Over the past couple of decades, Congress and the President would write a six year authorization bill. They simply have not done so. Instead, they have extended the expired bill 8 times--the latest gives the former law life until September 30.

To remedy this, the House and Senate are presenting their blueprints for federal transportation funding. As you may have guessed in light of the overall budget impasse, the House bill proposes some drastic cuts--almost 30%.

30% cut! What's up in Washington?

Think about what that could mean for The Rapid's plan to build the Silverline. And what about other needed infrastructure such as sidewalks and bike lanes and paths? Not to mention the maintenance that our roads and bridges need, will they all simply crumble?

I guess we'll see.
If you want to express your ask for some more information or to express an opinion on what's happening in Washington, contact Congressman Amash and Senators Levin and Stabenow. See what they have to say about what's up in D.C.
All for today.

Dave

David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100; dave.b @ dakc.us

Emergency Manager Law Endangers Public Transportation

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:27:00 +0000

People are sharply divided on the Emergency Manager Law, which gives the Governor the power to appoint a person to fix the financial woes of troubled local governments and school districts. Supporters say it is essential to fixing the financial troubles and other problems in cities and counties. Opponents say it is a violation of democracy and civil rights.

Regardless of an individual's opinion about the value of the law, one fact is clear. It can eliminate federal funding for any transit system that is operated by a unit of government that has an Emergency Manager. As reported in the Detroit News, "Emergency managers can now void union contracts, dismiss employee, and dissolve elected councils and boards in communities and school districts that are operating at a deficit.” May 31, 2011.

However, giving the Emergency Manager the power to void union contracts would violate federal transit law that protects collective bargaining rights for transit workers, according to Todd Tennis from Capitol Services, Inc. If an Emergency Manager appointed to oversee a public transit authority, the authority could forfeit federal transit dollars. In Michigan, transit systems receive over $200 million per year in federal transit funds. This could affect some of the largest transit systems in the state, including Detroit (DDOT), Flint and Battle Creek, as well as smaller city or county operated systems.

Other bills currently before the State Legislature present even more danger to transit funding, for the same reason. They would limit collective bargaining rights for all state workers, including transit employees. Even Governor Walker of Wisconsin exempted transit workers in his widely publicized bans on organizing for public employees. He recognized the danger of losing the federal transit funding. Michigan lawmakers need to pay attention.

July and August Work Group meetings

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:37:00 +0000

The DD Council's July 14, 2011 Transportation Work Group meeting has been cancelled.

The August traveling meeting will be held in Berrien County on Thursday, August 25, from 10 am to noon, instead of our normal second Thursday meeting date.Participants will still be able to phone in to the meeting.

The most recent workgroup minutes are posted on the blog. See the "Workgroup Minutes" link at the top of the blog page.

May Success Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:36:00 +0000

The following success stories were shared at the May DD Council Transportation Work Group meeting:

Kent RICC

The Rapid Transit millage passed.

Capitol Area RICC

Working on the new work plan, voter registration and diversity outreach.

Berrien RICC

Focusing on transit issues, and wrote letters to legislators about budget.

Ottawa RICC

Transit millage for MAX (Macatawa Area Express) passed.
Community passed a Complete Streets resolution.

Activists Hit Lansing, Legislators Rescind Bus Cuts!

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Great news: The Michigan legislature heeded our calls and have agreed to maintain transit funding!

Earlier versions of the budget bills cut $15-20 million from public transit, which could have strained many transit agencies to the breaking point.

On Tuesday, 75 transit supporters from all across the state converged on the Capitol building and spoke with 50 legislators about the importance of transit funding. RICC members showed up in large numbers, with appointments in hand to talk with their legislators.

Thanks so much to all the fabulous volunteers, partners, and other supporters who made this event possible!! Thanks also to everyone who made phone calls and sent emails to your legislators over the last few weeks. This aggressive and consistent effort made a big difference.

No bus funding will be cut from the 2012 state budget!!

Please take a moment to thank the local conferees who heeded our calls, including
Senator Pappageorge (R-Troy),
Rep. LeBlanc (D-Westland),

Senator Anderson (D-Westland), and
Senator Colbeck (R-Canton).

As Clark Harder said, "Together we have once again shown that public transportation is to be reckoned with in the State Legislature."

Now we will monitor carefully to make sure the transportation budget does indeed pass the legislature in keeping with this leadership agreement.

Transit Advocacy Day at the Capitol - May 17, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:28:00 +0000

The Let's Get Moving coalition is holding a big Transit Advocacy Day at the Capitol on May 17 and you're invited! Bus riders, employees, transit system operators and other transit supporters will come together to tell Michigan legislators why transit matters and to oppose cuts in state transit funding.

When: Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Where: Speaker’s Library, Second Floor of the State Capitol Building

Who: Transit riders, operators, managers and advocates from around the state

Why: To promote and protect public transit services

Advocacy Day Schedule

10am Welcome and Introductions

10:30 Issue Briefing and Training Session

11:30 Legislative Luncheon (Please ask your State Legislators to attend!)

1:30 Transit Press Conference (optional)

2pm Transit Advocates Roundtable Discussion (optional)

Please RSVP online at www.tinyurl.com/TransitDay or call 517-372-0860.

Please also contact your State Representative and State Senator beforehand. Tell their scheduler that you are a constituent and would like to meet with them when you are in Lansing. The legislators are invited and encouraged to attend the luncheon with you (between 11:30am and 1:30pm) or you can schedule a separate meeting during the day.

With questions or for more information, contact Capitol Services at 517-372-0860.

Moving Michigan forward: Trans4M

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:46:00 +0000

New transportation coalition, unprecedented in breadth, kicks off campaign to boost communities, economies with connected, convenient choices

Making Michigan ’s towns and economies more robust through transportation policy reform and smart investments in roads and bridges is the ambition behind Transportation For Michigan (Trans4M). The new coalition was announced today during a statewide telephone press conference.

“This coalition is dedicated to establishing public policies that enable more frequent, reliable and affordable transportation options and smart, effective prioritization of upkeep for our existing roads and bridges,” said Dan Gilmartin, executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “To be competitive, Michigan must recognize the vital role that these services play in our economy and our quality of life.”

The broad-based Trans4M coalition partners include nonprofits, businesses, policy makers, environmental groups, planners, academic institutions and others. It comes at a crucial time for Michigan as the state retools its beleaguered economy in the midst of rising gasoline prices and declining revenue for road repairs and improvements.

“Now more than ever we have to be strategic and smart with every dollar we invest,” said Rich Studley, chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “Maintaining our current roads and bridges, and providing options for people who want to become less dependent on gasoline and personal vehicles are key strategic goals for our state.”

Surveys consistently show that having reliable, affordable transportation options is a key factor in attracting and retaining jobs and talent. More than three-quarters of New Economy companies rated access to efficient public transportation as an extremely important factor in selecting corporate locations according to a recent survey by Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services company.

“Becoming more diverse, more flexible and more resilient in our economic foundation and in our transportation options is essential if we are to compete for future jobs and prosperity,” said Gilmartin. “Connecting our communities to each other, and workers to jobs, is both an economic and quality of life imperative.”

Transportation for Michigan intends to work with local, regional, state and federal decision makers to create strong transportation systems that will energize the state’s economic recovery. Priorities may include:

Supporting adequate and targeted investments in the state’s existing roads and bridges
Supporting Gov. Rick Snyder’s transportation budget recommendations for the Comprehensive Transportation Fund
Securing state legislative approval for matching funds that will leverage $161 million in federal dollars for high speed passenger rail projects along the Detroit-Chicago corridor
Creating regional transportation authorities to connect people and communities with multiple travel options

Chris Kolb, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, said the coalition’s goals make both economic and environmental sense. “Moving people more efficiently reduces our dependency on fossil fuels and lessens the public health impacts caused by their emissions,” said Kolb. “Smarter transportation options mean more vibrant, more livable, healthier communities and a stronger economy.”

Trans4M will be adding organizations to its membership roll in coming months. Current members include: Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, Detroit Branch NAACP, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Gamaliel of Michigan, Land Information Access Association, Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength, Michigan Association of Planning, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan Land Use Institute, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, The Right Place, Inc., Transportation Riders United

Transportation For America » “Transportation 101″ provides a primer on the federal transportation program

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Transportation For America » “Transportation 101″ provides a primer on the federal transportation program

An important resource for understanding public transportation has recently been produced by Transportation for America.

Their blog entry from Feb. 23 tells about the report, and you can download it at the above link.
A brief excerpt from the blog gives you an idea of what it covers:

One of the primary motivations of the Transportation for America campaign is our belief in building a transportation system that meets 21st century challenges.

But understanding how current federal transportation policy works — much less how to go about changing the current system — requires a sometimes painful amount of context. We know it’s not always the easiest issue to follow and a lot of people tend to use complicated jargon and acronyms that confuse even the veterans sometimes. Advocates and legislative staffers who are new to transportation policy often have a lot of catching up to do, and it’s difficult even for folks who have been around awhile to know all the details.

So we put together “Transportation 101: An Introduction to Federal Transportation Policy” to provide some clarity and help document where we’ve been, where the money comes from, how the program works (or doesn’t work) the process of reauthorization and the new (and old) challenges facing us as Congress debates a new transportation bill.

If you have trouble with the links, go to http://t4america.org/category/blog/

and go to their Feb. 23, 2011 post.

You can also sign up with Transportation for American, and become a fan on Facebook.

Our Hopes for the Future - public input reports

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:08:00 +0000

United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan hosted public forums around the state of Michigan in 2009. The purpose of the forums were to listen to people with disabilities and their families describe their hopes for the future. The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council is using the information gathered to develop their State Plan for 2012-2016.

The information and reports from the "Our Hopes for the Future" cafés are now on the following website: http://sites.google.com/a/ucpmichigan.org/ourhopes2016/

The reports can be downloaded. The site is organized around:

Basic information about the project, including a summary of the input, a project overview, and a report on the focus groups.
The input from the 6 regions where forums were held. The regions were Central Michigan, East Michigan, Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Southwest Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula.
The input on various life areas, as required for the DD Council's State Plan. Those life areas are Community Supports, Education, Employment, Family Supports, Health Care, Housing, Quality Assurance, Recreation and Transportation.

For more information about the Michigan DD Council and it's State Plan, contact:
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
1033 South Washington Ave.
Lansing, MI 48910

phone: 517 - 334 - 6123
www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil

For more information about the reports, contact the DD Council or:
Glenn Ashley
United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan
4970 Northwind Drive, Suite 102
East Lansing, MI 48823

phone: 517 - 203 - 1200
www.ucpmichigan.org

Michigan Legislature Leaders and Committees

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Listed below are the websites with the information on the 2011 - 2012 State of Michigan Committees and Majority and Minority Leaders.

http://house.michigan.gov/leadership.asp

http://house.michigan.gov/committeeinfo.asp?lstcommittees=appropriations&submit=Go

http://house.michigan.gov/Subcommittees/APPRsubcomm.pdf

http://house.michigan.gov/standing_committees.pdf

http://www.senate.michigan.gov/committee/committeeinfo.htm

Sue Hart
Complete Streets Assistant
The Disability Network
3600 S. Dort Hwy. Suite 54
Flint, Mi 48507

Getting There Together Weekly:The Business Perspective Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn Ashley) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Folks,

Ready for a new Governor?

The inauguration is less than a month away, so, "ready or not . . ." Governor Snyder is on his way and time to go to business school.

Gov.-elect Snyder has been talking about running our state more like a business, so we should be learning what that could look like.

Who better to turn to first than a governor for some learning? Gov. Jack Markell of Delaware wrote a piece entitled: "What's missing from the jobs, jobs, jobs debate"and in it he talks about what business and government are doing together to develop local economies. Yes, business and government working together and what's one thing they are doing? Making an "investment in a high-quality transportation infrastructure." Sounds like a good perspective to me.

Here's a quote to show a local business perspective or two on the need for better public transportation from Jeanne Englehart, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce:

"The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce represents 3,000 job providers who are committed to moving West Michigan forward by improving our regional economic competitiveness and simply put, public transportation gets people to work. In an era of being conscience of personal time management, traffic congestion, and tough personal budget times, transit systems are a sustainable solution and will help increase economic activity and investment in our local economy."

David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228;

dave.b @ dakc.us

94% of Transit Millages Pass

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:26:00 +0000

Transit millage requests were approved by large margins yesterday.
15 of 16 proposals were approved by an average of about 70% of voters. (+ 60% and higher) in the following locations:

-Branch County

-St. Joseph County

-Van Buren County

-Ingham County (two proposals)

-Lapeer

-Ludington (two proposals)

-Clare County

-Shiawassee County

-Genesee County

-Wayne, Oakland & Macomb Counties (SMART)

-Wexford County

-Bay County

-Saginaw County

The only transit millage to fail to be approved by voters was in Eaton County where EATRAN was looking for an increase in millage to 0.75 mill to allow service expansion and some fixed-route service. It was defeated by a 55 to 45% margin.

Thanks to everyone who voted, and especially to those who worked to help pass their local millage.

Complete Streets bills pass, headed to Governor's Desk

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Wanted to share the exciting news that both HB 6151 and 6152 passed the Senate today unanimously! There was an amendment made, however, by MDOT to HB 6151 (see below for details). 6152 passed as is and was sent to the Governors desk. After 6151 passed the Senate with the amendment, it was then sent back to the House floor for a vote of concurrence. It passed by a 76 - 21 split.

CONGRATULATIONS everyone...yes I'm yelling at you with my all caps! Pat yourselves on the back for everyone's hard work on this issue!

For more details, go to http://micompletestreets.org/

John Lindenmayer, Michgan Complete Streets Coalition

RE: MDOT Amendment:
The Department was concerned about holding up funding for 5 year plans if an agreement can't be reached between MDOT and a municipality regarding specific projects in the plan. Any projects w/o an... agreement will be pulled out of the 5 year plan and will be dealt with separately...probably with the Transportation Commission essentially becoming a mediator...still a bit of gray area that the Advisory Council will have to clarify down the line and in the actual drafting of the MDOT Complete Streets policy.

The advocates that were at the table today I believe all came to consensus that it is relatively benign as long as we clarify what happens to those projects that get pulled out of the 5 year plan. In some cases I can see that this could actually help locals slow down a project if they felt like MDOT was pushing something forward that locals are not happy with. At the same time, it could potentially also unnecessarily slow good projects as well.

June Success Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:15:00 +0000

Ontonagon RICC

May 25th the RICC celebrated Transit Day. 156 riders got free rides and buttons

Alger/Marquette RICC

There were no wheelchair ramps installed in a new pavilion put in the park. The RICC contacted the park and they are now putting in an accessible ramp.

Livingston RICC

Rep. Mike Rogers will attend a transit provider meeting.

Three more mini busses have been received. Now there is more room for people on bus at the same time, less people waiting for rides, and improved service in area

Genesee RICC

Working to assist MTA (transit provider) with millage

Wayne RICC

Working on Viola para transit (specialized service)

August 3 and Transit Millages

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:19:00 +0000

A number of communities have transit millages on the ballot for August 3.

Remember to vote, and encourage your friends to vote!

A Complete Streets Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:05:00 +0000

Folks,

I don't know about you, but there is a certain satisfaction in marking an item on my to-do list as complete.

Today, we get to mark complete a complete concept. (At least at this milestone.)

On Tuesday of this week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed Complete Streets legislation with strong, bi-partisan support! H.B. 6151 passed with a vote of 85 - 21, and H.B. 6152 with a vote of 84-22.

As the National Complete Streets Coalition lays out:
"Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities."

H.B. 6151 aims at just that:
""Complete streets" means roadways planned, designed, and
constructed to provide appropriate access to all legal users in a manner that promotes safe and efficient movement of people and goods whether by car, truck, transit, assistive device, foot, or bicycle."

Not to put too much stock into our efforts, but we have been working on this issue for some time. In fact, we have been working on this before we even knew it had the name, "complete streets"! The list of priorities in Getting There Together includes the elements of Complete Streets.

Exerpts from the Getting There Together Weekly. With apologies because I could not get the rest of the article to post.

By David Bulkowski, J.D.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Empowering Independence
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 949-1100

Complete Streets Information

noreply@blogger.com (Glenn A) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:55:00 +0000

An excellent piece on complete streets is now available from the Michigan Planner web site.
The link is: http://www.scribd.com/doc/33853430/MichiganPlanner-May-June-2010

If you want to learn about complete streets, and want detailed information, this publication is very good.

Glenn.