Senate and Assembly Mirror Governor’s Budget Proposals in Recognizing Importance of Funding the MTA for the Region and its Riders
New York, NY: Despite differences in the One House Bills released today, it’s the similarities that are most striking: both the Senate and Assembly include funding to keep the MTA from falling off the looming fiscal cliff now and into the future.
“We’re thrilled that transit is being seen as the essential service it is and is a priority in Albany – as it is for millions of riders throughout our region,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of PCAC. “The fact that sustainable and recurring funding for the MTA features so prominently is a clear indicator that our elected officials heard us as we have begged and cajoled over the past year, and we appreciate the Senate, Assembly, and Governor for being so responsive. Last week, we launched our funding tool, which offers a visual assessment of dozens of potential funding solutions for transit. We hope to continue to see some of these recurring, dedicated, and direct revenue options for the MTA in the final budget.
“Negotiations continue, but the proof is in the pudding: transit matters and riders matter. On a gray and dreary day, sunshine comes in the form of relief that we won’t be burdened with unaffordable fare hikes and unacceptable service cuts. Even as negotiations now advance, the starting point of funding the MTA is a good place for consensus.”