The Bike Commuter Act of 2007: Senator Bingaman Writes Back

Senator Jeff Bingaman is the first to respond to the emails I wrote regarding the Bike Commuter Act of 2007. Here’s what he had to say:

“Dear Mr. Kelly,

Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 858, the Bicycle Commuters Benefit Act of 2007. I appreciate your taking the time to write. As you know, this bill was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on March 13, 2006, and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. I agree that we should encourage alternative modes of transportation other than automobiles. As a member of the Finance Committee, please be assured I will keep your comments in mind should this bill come up for consideration. Again, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to keep me informed of issues of importance to you and your community.

Sincerely,
JEFF BINGAMAN
United States Senator”

Thank you, Senator Bingaman, for taking the time to respond. It is greatly appreciated.

Has anyone else heard back from their Congressional reps? If so, post the response so we can all read it.

The Senator points out that the Senate version of the Bike Commuter Act has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for approval; this is the first hurdle the bill must clear if we want to see the tax code changed. Senator Bingaman is a member of the Finance Committee, so his general support of this measure is noteworthy and critically important.

For those of us living in New Mexico, Senator Bingaman is the guy. Get your fingers typing or your pen scribbling! Let the Senator know there are plenty of reasons (you, me, and every other person in the state) for him to support the Bike Commuter Act of 2007.

For those of you not from New Mexico, here is a list of other Senators on the Finance Committee arranged by party and state. Just like Senator Bingaman, these folks are the key to clearing the first hurdle. If one of them is your Senator, voice, type or scribble your support for the Bike Commuter Act today!

Democrats
BLANCHE L. LINCOLN, AR
KEN SALAZAR, CO
JOHN F. KERRY, MA
DEBBIE STABENOW, MI
MAX BAUCUS, MT
KENT CONRAD, ND
JEFF BINGAMAN, NM
CHARLES E. SCHUMER, NY
RON WYDEN, OR
MARIA CANTWELL, WA
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, WV

Republicans
JON KYL, AZ
CHARLES GRASSLEY, IA
MIKE CRAPO, ID
PAT ROBERTS, KS
JIM BUNNING, KY
OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, ME
TRENT LOTT, MS
GORDON SMITH, OR
ORRIN G. HATCH, UT
CRAIG THOMAS, WY