A resolution requesting President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Lamar Alexander, and the Davidson County Congressional Delegation to develop an incentive program for government employees to carpool or use public transportation in their daily commutes to and from work.

WHEREAS, with approximately 2 million civilian employees, the united States Government is the nation's largest employer; and

WHEREAS, according to information provided by the American Public Transportation Association, over 130 million people, or approximately one half of all Americans, live in areas that violate federal health standards for air pollution; and

WHEREAS, the American Lung Association's 2002 State of the Air Report states that 143 million Americans are breathing unhealthy amounts of ozone pollution, which has been linked to lung and heart disease; and

WHEREAS, employer-provided commuter benefits, such as incentives for carpooling, reduce air pollution, improve public health, improve employee retention and job satisfaction, and reduce expenses for both employers and employees; and

WHEREAS, the American Public Transportation Association states that if one in ten Americans regularly used public transportation, the United States reliance on foreign oil could be reduced by more than 40 percent; and

WHEREAS, with the sharp escalation in gas prices and the unrest in the Middle East, in addition to the economic and environmental benefits associated with carpooling and public transportation, it is fitting and proper that the United States Government take the action necessary to provide an incentive for federal government employees to carpool or use public transportation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Lamar Alexander, and the Davidson County Congressional Delegation to develop an incentive program for government employees to carpool or use public transportation in their daily commutes to and from work.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to President George W. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senator Lamar Alexander, and to each member of the Davidson County Congressional Delegation.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace

Amendment No. 1
To
Resolution No. RS2006-1322

Mr. President:

I move to amend Resolution No. RS2006-1322 by deleting the phrase "Davidson County Congressional Delegation", wherein it appears in the caption, in Section 1 and in Section 2 of the Resolution, and substituting in lieu thereof the phrase "Tennessee Congressional Delegation".

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace