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MTA Waits For A Bailout From Albany
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 9, 2009
Modified Mar 9, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 9, 2009
Modified Mar 9, 2009
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Forget that talk of an imminent MTA bailout—the Post conducted a survey of State Senators and found, "Unless five Democratic state senators can be convinced to change their minds, the plan to bail out the MTA by imposing tolls on East and Harlem river bridges is dead in the water."
The MTA claims it will need to undertake severe fare hikes and service cuts if it doesn't get help from Albany, but many lawmakers are taking sides between helping out the agency (and its customers) and helping out constituents who drive. State Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) told the Post, "If it's 1 cent, I'm against it." And State Senator Ruth Hassle-Thompson (D-Bronx) was blunt, "You want to put tolls on the Willis Avenue Bridge, the Madison Avenue Bridge? And you have to ask what my position is?"
However, in spite of their opposition, Governor Paterson and Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith think they can pass a plan by next week. Politicker NY reports that Smith, who first signaled support for a $2 toll and then was skeptical, said of the plan being stuck in the Senate, "It wasn't what my greatest wish would be, but this is why we have democracy and not dictatorship. The Senate is still working on the plan. Most of all, what we should be, at times like this, is respectful of the process. And be happy you live in a country that has one."
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MTA bailout
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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