In the midst of Wisconsin's highest unemployment rate in 27 years and a loss of over 8,000 jobs last month, access to job opportunities and new job creation remains the single most important issue facing residents of southeastern Wisconsin.

With one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, our community knows first-hand the urgent need for any and all endeavors that create jobs, and connect our region's unemployed and underemployed with jobs. As many have felt the impact of the challenging economy, our low- and middle-income populations, especially the working poor and those without access to cars, are calling for action by supporting transit proposals that will link people to jobs and create economic development.

The lack of a well-funded regional transit system in southeastern Wisconsin has had inequitable effects on minority and low-income populations, often restricting their ability to access social and economic opportunities such as jobs, education, health care, places of worship and even such essential places as groceries stores. The route reductions and fare increases Racine's Belle Urban System has had to make in order to stay afloat are only the beginning if we don't secure a dedicated funding source for regional transit. If the current funding trend continues, the funding gap will result in 20 percent cuts in service in the next four years, with even steeper cuts to follow. By 2015, it is projected that there will be little left of the transit system.

Many of Racine's residents do not have access to a car, so transit is the only option of commuting to and from work. Reductions in transit service cut people off from jobs and opportunity and have a devastating impact on families and employers alike. A dedicated source of funding for transit would allow for necessary expansion of transit service to allow people to access social and economic opportunities and build upward mobility. In addition, it would provide convenient and affordable access to additional jobs in the region through the development of the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail line. The KRM would also draw new business and economic development to our region, creating additional new job opportunities that are accessible to all by transit.

A dedicated sales tax for transit, as proposed in Gov. Doyle's budget, would properly maintain and increase bus transportation while holding down fares. Additionally, the sales tax would increase with inflation, unlike the current property tax funding, ensuring that service would be maintained and routes would remain intact. Even more beneficial to families, the dedicated sales tax would not apply to necessity items such as groceries, prescription medicines and rent. Yes, a sales tax is a challenge, but the need is so much greater and the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Linking low-income individuals to jobs remains one of our community's most imminent concerns. A regional approach must be taken to restore a cost-efficient transit system. As evident by our dwindling bus system, property taxes cannot support the transit needs of our community. The RTA legislation in the state budget is our last best chance of creating an environment in which our community can begin to reverse the daunting unemployment that we've battled for so long.

We are at a critical point in the decision-making process. If you want the downward spiral to stop, it is time to take action.

We support the Regional Transit Authority legislation in the state budget.

We celebrate Gov. Doyle's commitment to the residents of Racine and urge you to do the same by contacting your state legislators and telling them to support the creation of jobs, by supporting an RTA, a healthy transit system, and KRM commuter rail.

Ken Lumpkin is president of Racine Interfaith Coalition and Nancy Holmlund is president of WISDOM, a regional organization seeking justice and common good in southeastern Wisconsin and represents eight interfaith coalitions.