A new study by UCLA economist Paul Ong, commissioned by the BRU, finds that MTA policies are squeezing transit riders at both ends. The study reveals that two years after the federal stimulus, fare increases place a burden on transit-dependent people already hit by high unemployment and declining wages.

City Hall will vote next week on whether or not to roll back the infamous truancy law (LAMC 45.04). We are asking everyone to sign a petition to the Mayor, City Hall and city leaders to express our support for ending this assault on our most vulnerable students!

We are looking for support on over-turning the punitive truancy practices for LAUSD. Two vital votes will be held this month. The Public Safety Committee on Feb. 13th and the full LA City Council vote on Feb. 15th. We are collecting signatures on petitions and asking for support from students and their families to let our City leaders know where we stand.

On Thursday, February 8th, TRPT will be joining a national coalition in a National Call-In Day against Federal Transportation bill H.R. 7. Reasons to VOTE NO on H.R. 7 (the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act) and maintain 30 years of dedicated federal commitment to supporting mass transit, creating jobs and protecting civil rights and environmental justice:

Word has raced out that House Republicans are moving to eviscerate transit in the federal transportation bill. But there's also a series of provisions in the bill that are aimed at our grassroots communities of color who make up the backbone of transit ridership across the country. They include the elimination of environmental requirements and planning tools that project our rights.

The media took notice as the Student Attendance Task Force released a report recommending "Have zero tolerance for zero-tolerance policies." and ensuring that students get adequate counseling in school before suspension.

In a shocking move, Republicans are moving to eliminate all federal funding for transit in the $200BN federal transportation bill (transit has traditionally recieved 20%).  The Ways and Means Committee is in final negotiations over this proposal to zero out transit and will vote tomorrow morning.  Please call your member of the Ways and Means Committee.

On February 2nd, the Los Angeles County Education Coordinating Council announced their decision to unanimously endorse the findings and recommendations from the multi-agency Student Attendance Task Force.

Some Republicans in the House led by Speaker John Boehner want to fund the new Federal Surface Transportation Bill with revenue from off-shore drilling.

Tribal leaders and Native organizations from the United States and Canada are standing together today pleased that President Barack Obama is acknowledging his pledge to listen to the voices of this countries' original people, by rejecting the Transcanada Keystone XL pipeline.  

"This is one battle won for our Mother Earth," said Clayton Thomas-Muller, campaign coordinator with Clean Air ally Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) Canadian Indigenous Tar Sands Campaign.