Eric Cantor thinks Safe Routes to Schools is Wasteful

Eric Cantor's thinks Safe Routes to Schools has got to go.

Each week representative Cantor asks people to vote for which of five options they would cut from the federal budget. Republicans then hold a floor vote in the House of Representatives to try to eliminate the program that gets the most votes.

This week, the federal Safe Routes to School program is one of Rep. Cantor’s targets. He argues that SRTS duplicates other bicycling and walking programs, and that bicycling and walking infrastructure is a local government responsibility.

His position

Created in 2005, the Federal "Safe Routes to Schools Program" finances both infrastructure and non-infrastructure (10 to 30% of total funding) projects to "empower communities to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and routine activity once again." The infrastructure components of this program, such as sidewalks and bike paths, have traditionally been viewed as local responsibilities. The non-infrastructure portion includes items such as public awareness campaigns and training volunteers. The program even requires that every state employ a full-time person dedicated to coordinating this federal program, even though nearly identical positions already exist. Returning these responsibilities to state and local officials and removing federal mandates would generate savings for taxpayers.

Well, it would probably move spending from the federal government (which can borrow easily) to the states (which can not) and thus it would surely mean less spending on making safe routes for kids to get to school. Which means it's only a waste if you think making it easy for kids to get to school safely is a waste.

Here's an example of the program in the area.

Gladys N. Spellman Elementary students who just finished their pedestrian and bicycle unit in physical education wrapped up their two-week-long curriculum Friday with a bike ride from Cheverly's Legion Park on Cheverly Avenue to the school at 3324 64th Ave.

The Maryland Safe Routes to School and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education donated a total of 60 bicycle helmets to participating students. During the two-week curriculum, students learned helmet safety and the rules of the road, such as knowing bike hand signals and stopping for stop signs. Students practiced stopping for pedestrians and buses using a cutout of a school bus during physical education class. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association also donated a bicycle trailer and 17 bikes and an adult tricycle for the instruction

Comments

[Chris]

Cantor is a tool for the national Republican Party. His district, which runs from Richmond in the Southeast to Page County (Luray) in the Northwest, is a "safe Republican" district, so he can continue to take stands like this even when it is not in the best interests of his constituents, so long as he continues to talk about fighting terrorists and blaming illegal immigrants.

My suggestion would be a leaflet campaign in Cantor's district talking about how he doesn't think of the children first. It's got lots of "dirty tricks" potential.

[SJE]

Elements of the GOP consider that the Fed Govt should have no role in education, at all. Not sure that Cantor is among them, and I doubt that he has declined any funding for his district.

Getting kids to school is not only about safety, but also about economics: if the streets are safe, more kids will walk or ride, and there is less need for buses and cars. Surely the GOP can get behind that.

[Chris]

SJE, in response to your first point, I know for a fact that there's at least one community in Cantor's district - Stanley, VA - that has taken Safe Routes to Schools money. I think they merely applied for it, and it wasn't an earmark, but still, these are communities that are hurting for funds and it's ridiculous for him to think that the local governments would cover it all.

Found this on a political action type website on this topic:

http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/memberservices/C520

[Chris]

Another thing that's really got me irritated about this is the fact that childhood obesity is a huge problem in Mr. Cantor's congressional district, and encouraging biking and walking is one step to address that. Grrr!!

[twk]

The federal government also funds a clean school bus program. Shouldn't that go too but Cantor's logic?