NMA State Alert for Pennsylvania: Well Done --- No Tolls for I-80
We sent you this alert on March 1, 2010, when the fate of whether Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania would become a toll road was up in the air. The headline in the Philadelphia Weekly today says it all rather succinctly:
Rep. Michele Brooks (R-Crawford/Mercer/Lawrence) applauded the decision, noting on her website, "I would like to thank the many people --- local residents, businesses, organizations and elected officials --- who stood up against the tolling and had their voices heard. Without strong opposition in countless letters, rallies, meetings and other efforts, we would not have the good news we have today."
This is not the first time that the state petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow I-80 to become a toll road, and it almost certainly won't be the last. Officials were hoping to use the proposed toll revenue to fill some pronounced gaps in the state budget. Toll advocates will not quit trying this tactic until they are removed from office; that is the ultimate power wielded by the voters.
Contacting your legislators does work, and this is a case in point. Thank you to those who took action by doing just that.
Posted by National Motorists Association
