LA politician advocates for LA transit agencies receiving comparable financial support as high-speed rail projects.

California Senator Pushes for Equitable Transportation Funding

In an interview on Monday, State Senator Henry Stern (D) voiced his support for Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to allocate $1 billion annually to the high-speed rail project, but with a twist. Stern, who represents portions of Ventura and western Los Angeles counties, expressed a desire for this funding to also include resources for Southern California transit agencies.

The high-speed rail project is a part of Newsom's spending plan, and its funding is derived from the state's trading program for greenhouse gases. This program generates revenue for state spending plans, including Newsom's.

Stern's statement indicates a push for more equitable distribution of state transportation dollars between the high-speed rail project and Southern California transit agencies. He stated, "Southern California is eager to get its fair share" of funding for transit agencies.

The critical capital projects for Metro and Metrolink, the region's transit agencies, have major ridership potential. According to Stern, these projects are currently underway.

Stern demanded that Southern California transit agencies receive additional financial resources of $1 billion annually if the high-speed rail project is funded with its $1 billion under Newsom's spending plan from the state's greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program. This demand is contingent on the high-speed rail project receiving its funding from Newsom's spending plan.

Stern's statement did not specify the source of the proposed $1 billion in ongoing funding for Southern California transit agencies. However, he made it clear that he wants Southern California transit agencies to no longer be at the back of the line for state transportation dollars.

The proposed funding for Southern California transit agencies is contingent on the high-speed rail project receiving its funding from Newsom's spending plan. If approved, this funding could significantly boost the critical capital projects for Metro and Metrolink, enhancing their ability to serve the region's growing transportation needs.

LA politician advocates for LA transit agencies receiving comparable financial support as high-speed rail projects.