This Joint Statement Was Issued by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D – Lakewood), Assemblymember Tom Daly (D – Anaheim), Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D – Glendale), Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D – Laguna Beach) and Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D – Arleta).
“We’re disappointed that the High-Speed Rail Authority is moving forward with the alternative outlined in the Draft 2020 Business Plan. Specifically, we are concerned that the Authority continues to ignore options that will create long-term benefits for the success of high-speed rail, and more importantly, for California riders.
We do not seek to stop high-speed rail. No one wants to do that, or undermine investments in the Central Valley. The work of the Administration in light of ongoing legal threats and funding uncertainty is important to keep things moving.
In the meantime, we must commit to transportation solutions that reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and better link our communities with jobs and housing. That has been part of high-speed rail’s plans for various regions since its ambitious beginning. As debate continues, however, we insist that discussions include our proposed alternative that provides for early service investments in other high-speed rail corridors while also continuing work in the Central Valley.
We look forward to collaboration to ensure that the largest public works project in California history is successful and accomplishes what is best for all citizens.”
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Laura Friedman represents the 43rd Assembly District which encompasses the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, as well as the communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Beachwood Canyon, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, and Silver Lake.