Turnpike money problems and preventing sexual assault

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, April 8, 2019:

Turnpike officials may be breathing a sigh of relief.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed a $6 billion lawsuit filed against the commission by two out-of-state trucking and advocacy groups.

The relief may be short-lived, however, because the Turnpike is still $11 billion in debt.

The commission’s finances are interconnected with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or PennDOT.

The nature of the debt is complicated and the result of a law requiring the turnpike pay PennDOT for mass transit projects. The turnpike must borrow money to make those payments and now, the arrangement is untenable.

What impact is this having on current and future road projects and mass transit?

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss Pennsylvania transportation funding and infrastructure is Secretary of Transportation Leslie Richards. 

Also, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Sexual violence can affect anyone; men and women, young and mature. There is no one profile of a victim, or an offender, for that matter. It is a wide-spread social problem affecting every community.

Joining us on Smart Talk to discuss sexual assault and the awareness campaign are Kristen Houser, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and Susan Sullivan, Prevention Campaign Specialist representing the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.