Contrary to a recent White House report that the vast majority of Americans are in favor of infrastructure spending, a new study from the Pew Center finds limited public support.
The survey polled residents in five states-Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York-on their priorities for the state budget. When asked what area of spending should be cut, infrastructure was chosen over all else. Furthermore, 75 percent of residents oppose paying for infrastructure improvements through new taxes.
The study also highlights widespread misunderstanding of how much funding currently goes to transportation, notes Eric Jaffe:
'Roughly 20 percent of respondents in Arizona, New York, and Illinois thought transportation made up the state's biggest expense; in fact it made up 7 percent, 6 percent, and 8 percent of each state's budget, respectively.'
FULL STORY: New Report Shows States Want to Cut Infrastructure Spending
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Funding Allocated to Extend Life of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant
In order to to ensure that the lights stay on, the California legislature approved allocating up to $75 million to extend the life of the state's sole remaining nuclear plant and four natural gas powered plants, to the chagrin of environmentalists.
Pew: Nearly Half of Americans Call Affordable Housing a 'Major Problem'
As the housing crisis deepens, more Americans are saying housing affordability is a top concern in their community.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
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Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
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Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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