OOIDA National Call To Action
March 3, 2005

The U.S. House of Representatives will be voting on the highway bill next Wednesday and Thursday (March 9 and10). The bill, HR3, also known as "TEA-LU" contains provisions that will open the door for future widespread tolling on our Interstate highways!

Congressman Mark Kennedy is again proposing to help OOIDA and other highway users by offering an amendment that would reign in those provisions and insert his proposed "FAST fees" program. In short, the FAST fees program would allow states to construct new lanes on the Interstate system, so long as the tolls they collect are only from drivers who choose to use the new lanes, the tolls are collected only on the new lanes, and only with non-cash electronic means (no tollbooths). Also, the tolls have to be dedicated to pay off the costs of the construction, and they must go away once the construction costs are recovered.

The key word in this legislation is voluntary, no one is required to use the new lanes; and only those new lanes would have any sort of toll. Congressman Kennedy stated to us that, "The FAST program is entirely about providing a new tool exclusively for financing new capacity; we are not going to double tax people for the lanes of highway they have already paid to build and maintain."

Obviously, we want NO TOLLS OF ANY KIND on any Interstate highway, but some highly influential members of Congress are bound and determined to get tolling programs into this bill. Congressman Kennedy's FAST fees program is an innovative solution to highway funding problems and it strictly limits tolling. We are suggesting that you call your Congressional representative to ask them to oppose the tolling provisions in HR 3 and support Congressman Kennedy's FAST fees amendment.

==============================================================

The BILL - HR 3 - 'TEA-LU' or 'The Highway Bill'

SUPPORT - Congressman Mark Kennedy's 'FAST fees' amendment
                     (FAST = "Freeing Alternatives for Speedy Transportation")

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MESSAGE:

"It is extremely important that Congressman ___________ vote YES on the Kennedy amendment to the highway bill. Widespread tolling of interstate highways will devastate small business truckers. The only common-sense solution to correcting the current language in the highway bill is the Kennedy Amendment - language that is voluntary and fair. Vote YES on the Kennedy Amendment."

=============================================================

If you are not sure who your lawmakers are, simply phone the OOIDA Membership Department and they'll look up the information for you. The toll-free number is 1-800-444-5791. Or you can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Tell the operator where you live and they will connect you. If you already know who your congressman is, call their office directly. It will be a bit faster.

Pointers for an Effective Call

• Be Prepared - You may only have the opportunity for a brief conversation so try to make the best of that time. Before you pick up the phone, organize your thoughts for the main points you would like to talk about.
• The Right Person - When calling a Washington office, be sure to ask for the individual who handles transportation issues for the lawmaker. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to speak directly with the Congressman, talking with the staff person who advises them on an issue is usually much more effective anyway.
• Who You Are - The first thing you will want to say is who you are, where you are from, and what you want to talk about. You may want to let them know that you are an OOIDA member. Chances are they will be very familiar with the Association.

If you have questions, do not hesitate to call the Association at 1-800-444-5791.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE CAPITOL HILL TAKE NOTICE.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR TRUCKERS THROUGHOUT AMERICA.