Senator Cortese’s Statement on Passage of the 2023-24 State Budget

Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement about the California Legislature’s passage of the 2023-24 state budget (SB 101 and AB 101).

“Both chambers of the California Legislature proposed a 2023-24 state budget that protects transit agencies from falling off the fiscal cliff and maintains the state’s commitment to fund the planned BART extension through Silicon Valley. This priority BART project will not only reduce traffic on Bay Area highways, but it will also create an essential option for working people and students. For so many South Bay residents, the Silicon Valley BART extension will open access to higher education and job opportunities across the Bay Area.

The decision by Senate and Assembly to restore the multi-year $4 billion in the Transit and Intercity Rail Capitol Program helps California leverage the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — the greatest single federal investment in public transit in our nation's history  — for this BART extension to downtown San Jose. The TIRCP funding will also preserve transit operations, and help California reach its climate goals, since gas-powered vehicles make up 38 percent of climate change emissions. I’ve steadfastly championed this investment as a member of Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation.

Transit is still in a delicate place, however, with an estimated need of $5 billion to sustain operations. I’m joining my colleagues in continuing to advocate for a greater investment to retain and grow transit routes and passengers across the state.”

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