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Why TEACH?
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There is a transportation crisis in the
Bay Area, but it is not just one of
traffic congestion. It is a growing crisis
for the 2.3 million Bay Area residents who
do not own or drive a vehicle. Low-income
families, the elderly, the disabled,
children, and others are seeing their
access to jobs, health care, education,
nutritious food and social services
plummet.
These communities face varying obstacles,
but the root cause is the same: a
transportation system that was not planned
with their input, and investments that
often degrade, rather than improve, their
lives and communities.
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Unless there is
a greater understanding of community needs, as well as the involvement of these
communities, elected officials will continue to prioritize political power and
polls over the needs of families and the health of our communities. Too often,
this means transportation investments benefit wealthier long-distance commuters,
with the burdens disproportionately falling on low-income communities and
communities of color.
"Welfare reform" focused decision-makers on the disconnect between jobs and
low-income communities, and improved access to jobs remains a critical issue.
But recent research by TALC has made it clear that this focus on jobs is simply
not enough.
Healthy kids and healthy communities also require access to childcare,
education, hospitals, community clinics, recreational facilities, and nutritious
food.
Because the "transportation crisis" is still high on the Bay Area's political
agenda, billions of dollars in new funding may be decided on in the next few
years. We must come together to have a strong voice in these critical decisions.
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Update:
02.28.07
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