NATIONAL NEWS

The Hill: Senate Democrats look at infrastructure, 'caulkers' in jobs bill
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/74875-senate-democrats-look-at-infrastructure-caulkers-in-jobs-bill
Senate Democrats are crafting a job creation bill that would boost funding for small businesses, public services, infrastructure projects and energy efficiency programs... They are considering new transit and highway spending and efforts to help stave off public employee layoffs, as well as a new tax credit for businesses hiring new workers and a program providing incentives for homeowners to retrofit their homes, according to a source off Capitol Hill.

Grist: Transportation bill could produce environmental and job benefits in 2010
http://www.grist.org/article/2010-01-07-transportation-bill-environment-green-jobs/
As advocates for clean energy and good jobs evaluate opportunities to advance their issues in 2010—from a jobs bill that could include energy efficiency measures to a federal clean energy and climate bill—there is another oft-overlooked vehicle that advocates would be wise to consider.  This year, Congress will likely pass a national transportation bill—legislation that comes up only about once every six years—through which the nation could reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and significantly curtail petroleum use, thereby reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The transportation bill also could deliver major economic benefits, including millions of new construction, operations and manufacturing jobs—just what the doctor ordered to fix what’s ailing the U.S. economy.

STATE NEWS

Dallas Morning News: Bush transportation secretary urges Texas to re-authorize private toll roads
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/01/bush-transportation-secretary.html
Texas lawmakers should reauthorize private toll roads in the Lone Star State when they return to Austin in 2011, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters told Texans Thursday.  With little likelihood that Congress will pass meaningful transportation reform, or find long-term funding solutions, in 2010, Peters said states will do well to send strong messages that they are doing their part to solve their transportation challenges. Toll roads, and the ability to attract private investors to pay for them, are one way many states, including Texas, have used to do just that, she said.