With many more Californians back on their pre-pandemic commutes, we are reminded of how crucial it is to have sustainable and reliable transportation options to move us between home, work, school and leisure. As the Assembly Budget Chair, I helped to secure billions for our state's transportation infrastructure in the 2022-23 spending plan, improving and expanding how we get around.

Transportation remains one of California's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. As part of my long-standing commitment to zero-emission vehicles, the state budget provides $6.1 billion over the next five years to facilitate our transition to greener transportation with more charging stations and incentives targeting heavy-duty vehicles. We've also increased funding to our existing equity programs that help lower income buyers make the switch to cleaner cars. Note that the Air Resources Board just approved a ban on the sale of most new, gas-powered vehicles in California by 2035.

Equally important is public transportation. The latest state budget makes significant investments in our rail systems, allotting $4.2 billion for the high-speed train and $7.6 billion for transit and intercity rail projects over the next three years, which positions California well to compete for significant new federal funding.

We also can't forget that in order to get people out of their gas-powered cars for most trips, we must make walking and biking safer. $1.2 billion is going toward active transportation, allowing us to continue making strides in building efficient and safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across the state. To ensure such improvements are made locally, I secured another $2.7 million in state funding for two projects focusing on Sloat Boulevard, between Skyline and the Great Highway, currently designated a high-injury zone.

These historic investments are so impactful, they will allow for generations of Californians to travel in safer, greener, and more equitable ways. And along the way, we create good-paying jobs across the state.

By the way, if you've seen or taken the temporary HOV lanes on Lombard Street/Richardson Avenue and Park Presidio Boulevard/Park Presidio Bypass, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is considering a three-year extension to do more impact studies. Please voice your opinion at their September 6^th meeting, either in-person or online. More info here.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District