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Photo Credit: TJ Girsch
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Dear <<First Name *>>,
Passenger rail advocates have a lot to be proud of in 2021. Despite the continued challenges presented by COVID and recovering from the pandemic, a new Administration finding its sea legs and gridlock in the halls of Congress, there are many accomplishments to be proud of:
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- Bipartisan support for the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) providing historic funding for passenger rail and public transit
- A statement from Congress that long-distance passenger rail is an essential part of the nation’s transportation system, specifically for rural parts of the country, and should be retained to ensure connectivity throughout the National Network
- The true impact of 3x service was explained to Congress and to the nation through testimony before Congress by the Association’s President and CEO, Jim Mathews
- Congressional mandates to restore daily service across the National Network, paired with $2+billion in emergency COVID funding for passenger rail and public transit
- A requirement to invest in the capital improvements for the Southwest Chief, and a prohibition on the use of these funds to “discontinue, reduce the frequency of, suspend or substantially alter” the route
- The return of discounted passenger fares for U.S. military veterans
- Congressional direction to Amtrak to improve communication and collaboration with local partners and take into consideration the unique needs of each community, including impact to local jobs, when making decisions related to the staff of Amtrak stations
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Today on Giving Tuesday I am asking for your help! Your Association is still feeling the financial impacts related to the coronavirus. We could really use your support during this giving season. A generous Rail Passengers couple has made a $10,000 donation and they challenge their fellow passenger rail advocates to match their support making all donations made between now and Tuesday go twice as far. I invite you to accept the Giving Tuesday Challenge! Donate TODAY!
This year we received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. We are proud of our fiscal responsibility, and that 76 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to support programs. Rest assured that if you choose us as your philanthropic partner, we will use your donation in the most effective and efficient way, ensuring the highest level of support for the Rail Passengers Association’s mission.
I’m grateful for your partnership and look forward to many more train rides together.
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Gratefully,
Jim Mathews
President & CEO
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P.S. Designated a 3-star charity by Charity Navigator, we are proud of our fiscal responsibility, and that 76 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to support programs. Rest assured that your donation will be used in the most effective and efficient way, ensuring the highest level of support the Rail Passengers Association’s mission.
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It is essential that we defend and fight for a modern, national passenger rail network. The Rail Passengers Association advocates on behalf of America's rail passengers for improved, expanded, and safer train service.
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