Gov. David Paterson and New York legislative leaders are rejecting a proposal to put tolls on bridges as part of any deal to bail out New York City’s financially troubled mass transit system.
After meeting for more than 90 minutes behind closed doors this morning, Gov. David Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver emerged to say they are “desperately” trying to work out an agreement to save the MTA.
Paterson says the Senate’s Democrat majority has taken the tolls off the table and Assembly Speaker Silver is accepting that.
Also under consideration are proposals to hike Metropolitan Transportation Authority fares an average 8 percent and a payroll tax for businesses in the MTA’s 12-county region.
Now Albany has to find a way to replace millions of dollars the tolls would have brought. Senate Democrats from the outer boroughs strongly opposed the tolls.
Smith says he hopes a deal can be struck Tuesday.
(Source: NBC New York)
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2 Responses
WHY IS THERE NO DISCUSSION AT ALL ABOUT SALARY CUTS FOR STATE AND CITY EMPLOYEES?
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IT’S HAPPENING ALL OVER, IN AN EFFORT TO STAY AFLOAT.
WHY MUST WE ALL SACRIFICE TO MAINTAIN THESE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES IN THEIR ACCUSTOMED LIFESTYLES?
How is it equitable to increase payroll taxes on employers to balance the MTA budget? Employers are already paying some of the steepest business taxes in the land.
Businesses are crumbling under all of this weight how can adding mores costs be a good idea?
Hey Bloomberg, Patterson, Silver and Smith,
Before you take any more money from us-
1-Restore the commuter tax
2- sell naming rights to the area bridges. If it works for stadiums why not try it for world famous bridges?
3- Raise tolls on existing tolled bridges if you must but keep untolled options open for drivers already struggling to survive.
4- Raise transit fares as needed on those who use the system. Yes, I feel for the struggling riders but at least the riders are the ones getting the service.
5- take away the free rides to all MTA employees and anyone else.
6- Open up the MTA books to an outside auditor (should be #1 )
7- stop advertising on radio and TV. The MTA-is the only game in town, save your money- we know your going our way… blah blah
8- Get rid of all non essential unionized workers (yes the same ones who went on strike and crippled this city and the same ones who sit behind the glass and refuse to look at you or answer your questions or cry for help)and replace them with less costly machines who don’t require overtime, health care and union dues.
9- Sell all non essential assets- like real estate, art, stock holdings etc…
10- feel free to add in your own ideas other than taking more of our money.