In a significant stride towards revitalizing rural transportation in Minnesota, Arrowhead Transit is at the forefront of a comprehensive legislative initiative aimed at fortifying volunteer driver networks.
The proposed bill, currently advancing through the legislative process, has garnered wide-ranging support from a diverse coalition of representatives, stakeholders, and citizens, marking a potential turning point in the landscape of rural transit, an Arrowhead Transit news release said. The primary impetus behind this legislative endeavor, introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and U.S. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), is to rectify a longstanding issue that has impeded potential volunteer drivers.
Presently, these individuals, who play a pivotal role in linking residents with crucial medical services, grapple with an unforeseen tax burden on their reimbursements. This peculiarity, which departs from the treatment of similar reimbursements in other professions, has been identified as a deterrent to prospective volunteers.
In a statement of support, Craig discussed the far-reaching benefits of the proposed bill. “This legislation transcends mere tax relief; it is an investment in the very health and well-being of our cherished rural communities. Volunteer drivers are the unheralded champions, and they deserve every iota of support we can muster.”
Have more mobility news that we should be reading and sharing? Let us know! Reach out to Sage Kashner (kashner@ctaa.org).
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