LANSING - State Representatives Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) and Jerry Kooiman (R-Grand Rapids) today announced the formation of a bipartisan Public Transit Legislative Caucus to examine the issues related to public transit across the state.
"Public transit brings our communities together," Donigan said. "It connects employers with employees; it connects doctors with patients; it connects businesses with customers. Rising fuel prices have made it clear we are in definite need of well-functioning public transportation. I want to thank my Republican colleagues, especially Representative Kooiman, for recognizing that this is an issue that affects all of us regardless of political affiliation."
"As someone who has consistently advocated for state investment in public transportation, I am pleased to see this caucus receive traction in the legislature," Kooiman said. "Only when we understand the economic impact of transit in this state will we begin to provide the support needed to ensure we have effective and efficient transit systems throughout the state. The Public Transit Caucus will give us a forum for that effort."
Other members of the Transit Caucus include State Representatives Morris Hood (D-Detroit), Bill Caul (R-Mt. Pleasant), Clarence Phillips (D-Pontiac), Scott Hummel (R-DeWitt), Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit), John Gleason (D-Flushing), Lee Gonzales (D-Flint) and Gino Polidori (D-Dearborn).
"Public transit issues deserve adequate legislative attention and consideration, and I look forward to making real progress on this issue," Donigan said.