OFF THE WIRE
Not sure you got this.
I think it is good news as far as it goes, But it also raises some questions.
Where has the money gone in the past and where is it going now.
Is a breakdown of what each state received and how it was spent available.
The bill continues the grant program that was designed and implemented into law in 2005 by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), along with many State Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMROs). Since 2005, the program has infused over $46 million dollars directly into the motorcycle safety community. By law, the cash can only be used on rider education and motorist awareness campaigns. The new program continues this tradition.
I am concerned about how these funds are actually being spent.
Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 204 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
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12NR24 - MRF News Release - Highway Bill Nears Completion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 June 2012
Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs
Highway Bill Nears Completion
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that an agreement has been reached on the much anticipated Highway legislation. The Conference Report has been agreed upon and is expected to be on the floor of the House and Senate for a vote Friday, June 29th.
The reauthorization of surface transportation programs through fiscal 2014 is expected to cost roughly $120 billion, $11 billion more than the $109 billion Senate-passed legislation that would have run only until the end of fiscal 2013.
The 600 page bill comes just in the nick of time, as the latest extension expires at the end of the month.
Unfortunately, due to technical germaneness issues, the language of NR 904 did not make it into this bill. Not for lack of effort on our part, that is for sure. We will continue to advance HR 904 on its own. It already has 51 cosponsors as of press time.
What did make it into the bill is very positive for motorcyclists. First, the bill has no mention of the word "helmet", whatsoever.
Second, the grant program that sends money to the States for motorcycle safety has been extended. This time it is not a specific dollar amount but a percentage of each State's federal safety dollars that must be spent on motorcycle safety. The best part is that the money can only be spent on rider education and awareness campaigns. None of this money can be spent on roadside checkpoints or helmet law campaigns - just simple education and awareness. The stuff we know that works.
The House and Senate are likely to vote on this bill as early as Friday, June 29th.
Call your elected officials and ask them to vote this bill out favorably.
You can reach the US Capitol switch board at 202-224-3121.
