Category: Public Policy
The Gloucester County Planning Department is currently seeking public feedback on a proposed connection between the Monroe Bike Trail and Elephant Swamp Trail. Bike Gloucester, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the Circuit Trails Coalition will provide suggested feedback on the proposal. Review the project presentation, then complete the public survey.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has is seeking to spread the word about the FY27 Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The draft FY2027 PA TIP–the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program–which was recently released by the DVRPC, includes the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit and Circuit adjacent projects that will connect to the network. This investment is funded with a mix of local and federal funds, including CRP/CRPU, and CMAQ, which has been a primary funding source for trails over the years. When it is adopted, a record number of Circuit Trails Coalition Priority Projects in each of the five Pennsylvania counties in the Circuit Trails footprint will be funded.
- We’re thrilled to see the draft FY2027 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania includes a record number of priority projects across the Circuit Trails network and the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit Trails and adjacent 🚲👟projects. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- Making it safer and easier to walk and bike in the Greater Philadelphia region is closer to becoming a reality, thanks to the inclusion of @thecircuittrails projects in the draft Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. To help ensure the proposed projects are included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- Act now: Help ensure @thecircuittrails are prioritized in the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. Go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- The draft FY2027 PA Transportation Improvement Program includes the highest amount of funds programmed toward 👟🚲projects adjacent to and #OnTheCircuit. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final plan, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- Act now to help move forward the Circuit Trails network! Let @DVRPC know you want them to prioritize projects #OnTheCircuit by including them in PA’s Transportation Improvement Program.
- Speak out to fund more trails! Circuit Trails projects were included in the draft Transportation Improvement Program, which could mean major funding for trail projects #OnTheCircuit. Send a letter to show support for trails in our region: circuittrails.org/get-involved/
Individuals and organizations will have an opportunity to register public comments with DVRPC through 5 p.m. June 22.
Link to take action – Here
Greetings,
This update is from the desk of Clarke King, National Federation of the Blind of NJ Legislative Director
NFB is asking New Jersey residents to take immediate action to support Assembly Bill A3578 by contacting members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Timely outreach is critical to ensure this legislation advances. View the bill here: NJ A3578 | 2026-2027
Why Support A3578
• A3578 supports Electronic Ballot Return (EBR), enabling blind voters to use screen readers to access and return ballots independently.
• Ensures voters who are blind can cast their ballots privately and independently, without relying on assistance from others.
• Addresses barriers that limit full and equal participation for individuals with disabilities.
• Strengthens legal protections and promotes accountability in areas directly impacting access, independence, and civil rights.
Sample Email
Subject: Please Support A3578
Dear Assembly member,
I am writing to respectfully urge your support for Assembly Bill A3578.
A3578 supports Electronic Ballot Return (EBR), allowing blind voters to independently and privately complete and return their ballots using screen reader technology. This ensures equal access to voting while preserving voter privacy and independence.
I respectfully ask that you vote YES on A3578 when it comes before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Phone Script
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am calling to support Assembly Bill A3578. This bill allows blind voters to cast their ballots privately and independently using screen readers via Electronic Ballot Return. I respectfully ask that the Assemblymember vote YES on Bill A3578 in the Judiciary Committee. Thank you.
Assembly Judiciary Committee Contacts
Rep. Louis Greenwald (D) Phone: 856-435-1247 Email: AsmGreenwald@njleg.org
Rep. Anthony Verrelli (D) Phone: 609-292-0500 Email: AsmVerrelli@njleg.org
Rep. Ellen Park (D) Phone: 201-308-7062 Email: AswPark@njleg.org
Rep. Sterley Stanley (D) Phone: 732-875-3833 Email: AsmStanley@njleg.org
Rep. Carol Murphy (D) Phone: 856-242-2018 Email: AswMurphy@njleg.org
Rep. Roy Freiman (D) Phone: 908-829-4191 Email: AsmFreiman@njleg.org
Your outreach matters. Legislators rely on hearing directly from constituents and NJ residents when considering legislation. Please take a moment today to call or email your Assembly representatives and urge them to support Bill A3578. Together, we can advance policies that promote equality, independence, and opportunity for all.
Join the Eastcoast Greenway in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create safer, more connected infrastructure for the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey region.
With the Delaware River Bridge connecting Florence, New Jersey, and Bristol, Pennsylvania, being replaced, they are calling for the new bridge to include a much-needed shared use path to allow active transportation access across the bridge. Getting from Bristol to Florence without a car currently requires a 26-mile detour–with the shared-use path, that would be cut to just two miles.
Led by their partners Freewalkers, a group will rally and march in Bristol on Saturday, May 2 for the shared use path. Join for a rally and two mile advocacy walk in Bristol, or go the distance and make the 26-mile trek highlighting the gap in access created by the lack of a shared use path. There will be options to return via transit along the way.
Length options: Two miles or 26-miles, with options to customize by returning on transit.
Register for the event – Here
More great news for those advocating for more accessible trails and green spaces for passive recreation. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver introduced the Parks to People Active Transportation Act, a bill which would dramatically expand federal funding for greenway path projects.
Greenway paths help connect communities to natural spaces and parks, and the bill would specifically work to create equity in access to recreation and the outdoors.
You can view the main story – HERE
Rails to Trails Conservancy partnered with the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes and the Safe Routes to School Partnership —representing national, state and local advocacy organizations, local elected officials, and businesses—for a federal letter supporting trails, walking and biking. The letter calls on Congress to include a fortified Transportation Alternatives program. It also asks Congress to maintain broad eligibility for trails, walking and bicycling across transportation programs, as well as existing provisions for safe walking and bicycling, in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
The coalition is encouraging individuals, public and private organizations to share the final version of this letter with local members of Congress to increase visibility and showcase the nationwide demand for programs and policies that support walking, biking and trail infrastructure. You can find the letter and more information about how to engage Congress here.