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Rev Jesse Jackson Adds Boost to Transit Campaign in Chelsea

By DNAinfo Staff on April 1, 2010 12:05pm  | Updated on April 1, 2010 11:48am

Reverend Jesse Jackson at a rally for mass transit jobs and services.
Reverend Jesse Jackson at a rally for mass transit jobs and services.
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DNAinfo/Nicole Breskin

By Nicole Breskin

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

CHELSEA — The Reverend Jesse Jackson added star power to the launch of a national campaign Thursday that aims to raise awareness about cuts to mass transit services, including those recently announced by the MTA.

Jackson, who got involved in the cause through his religious and social activist organization Rainbow/Push Coalition, launched the “Keep America Moving Partnership” outside of Penn Station on Wednesday morning.

The organization's goal is to get more funds for mass transit, which will help stabilize employment in the sector.

“We hear about jobs, jobs and jobs,” said Jackson to a group of some 100 demonstrators. “It’s also how you get to those jobs.”

Congressman Charles Rangel and John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, and Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign also spoke at the launch, calling for funding boosts for mass transit systems.

The campaign follows protests to severe route cuts recently announced by the MTA.