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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 6, 2023 12:07 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jessica Benham |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Improving the Safety of Freight Rail in Pennsylvania |
| In early February, the Norfolk Southern train derailment cast a spotlight on the need for improved enforcement of railroad safety measures in our nation and our state. Such enforcement requires qualified staff who can ensure trains and railway lines are safe. In Pennsylvania, there are only ten Public Utility Commission (PUC) rail safety inspectors who are responsible for covering the approximately 5,600 miles of track in our state. Because they are federally certified and because the federal government offers significantly higher pay, state rail safety inspectors in Pennsylvania frequently leave the PUC for federal positions. Rail safety inspectors in our state are overburdened and underpaid. These individuals play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe from potential derailments and other accidents. The lives of our state’s residents are in their hands, and they deserve more support from us. That is why I am introducing legislation requiring the PUC to expand its complement of rail safety inspectors and increase the salaries of these positions. Under my bill, salaries will start at $120,000 and will be tied to inflation annually thereafter. Given that Pennsylvania contains thousands of miles of track and hosts the largest number of railroad companies per state in the country, the PUC needs to be able to recruit and retain qualified rail safety inspectors. Please join me in enhancing the safety of our freight rail system by signing on to this proposal. |
Introduced as HB939