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Photo Credit: Jonathan Hinely & Malcolm Kenton
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Dear <<First Name *>>,
The challenges of 2020 carried over to 2021, but despite that, Rail Passengers Association members have major accomplishments to be proud of; highlights of our work and results are below.
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- Passage of 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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We need your monetary support to hit the ground running in 2022. The Rail Passengers Association looks forward to once again working with Congress, the USDOT, states and Amtrak to make sure the IIJA historic funding is spent well. Make a donation today!
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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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