Projected Congressional funding for the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is significantly higher than anticipated, thanks in part to the hard work and tenacity of the BLET and its members.
Earlier this week, the House’s Appropriations Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) subcommittee released a funding bill addressing RRB’s budget. The proposed budget amount is $126 million, significantly less than the $170 million requested by RRB.
Although less than the funding amount requested by RRB, the proposed allocation of $126 million can be seen as a positive. The same House subcommittee last year recommended slashing RRB’s budget by 21 percent, and a similar recommendation was anticipated this year.
The preemptive action of BLET members likely played a key role avoiding a repeat of last year’s budget fiasco, as thousands of BLET members across the country used the Take Action area of the BLET website to contact their members of Congress in support of RRB.
In addition to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate, prior to the summer recess, also proposed $126 million for the RRB. While a step in the right direction, the BLET will continue to advocate for the full $170 million request. The higher funding level will help the RRB provide better service to railroad workers and retirees.
Your voice matters and your help is needed. The BLET is asking members to continue advocating for the full $170 million requested by RRB. If Congress continues to hear of the importance of the RRB, it’s more likely that the RRB will get the money it needs to reduce call wait times and provide other services.
Below is a link to a Take Action alert that allows BLET members to email their Senators and Representatives regarding the importance of the RRB. We urge you to take action by sending this pre-written letter and having your voice heard.
Click here to Take Action: ble-t.org/take-action/#/22.