Dallas
Brain Donors
The delay in the reauthorization of the federal transportation law means we haven’t finished the tired and frustrating discussion about so-called ‘donor’ and ‘donee’ states. This is the desire for each state to receive a level of federal transportation funding that matches the federal gas tax and other revenues that are collected within their state borders. READ MORE >>
Signposts
Things worth checking out around the web: READ MORE >>
Split on the Factory Floor
If you go to a car factory these days, you'll discover that not all workers are created equal, even if they're doing the same exact job. Under the agreements that the United Auto Workers signed with Detroit's car manufacturers, as part of the industry-wide federal rescue package, newly hired workers make just $14 an hour. The older ones make $28 an hour or more. READ MORE >>
On the Map: Bus Riding Boost Seems to Stall
As part of our State of Metropolitan America project, we reported last week on the increase in public transit commuters from 2000–2008. While this increase is small (less than 1 percent), it’s the first time that’s happened in 40 years. As the map below shows, most transit commuters are concentrated on the coasts. READ MORE >>
Why Immigration Reform Matters to Metros
Last week, President Obama delivered a major speech on the need for federal immigration reform. He made his case to Congress, especially Republicans, to step up, put aside political posturing, and have the courage to get the job done rather than continuing to “kick the can down the road.” The federal lawsuit against Arizona’s recently adopted state immigration enforcement law, set to be filed today, may also add impetus for a federal, rather than a piecemeal, solution. It will certainly increase the volume of the debate. READ MORE >>
On the Map: The World Cup at Home, Abroad
Yesterday’s dizzying stoppage-time goal by Landon Donovan put the U.S. READ MORE >>
Signposts
Items worth reading from around the web: READ MORE >>
Helping Those Who Help Themselves
The federal transportation finance system is broken and will be short on cash for the foreseeable future. Some regions—like the growing Phoenix, Salt Lake, Las Vegas, and Denver metropolitan areas—have meanwhile achieved system viability through unusual self-help yet even so face massive outstanding maintenance and capacity needs. Is there a deal to be done? Perhaps there is. READ MORE >>
Forgive Not
It's Not Just BP's Problem
On the main site today, Steve LeVine has a good piece about how BP's handling of the Gulf spill has the entire oil industry panicked: READ MORE >>
