Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Adams pushes back on Hochul’s plan for city taxpayers to pay an extra $500 million for MTA
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Feb 1, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Feb 1, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday expressed concerns over Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to have New York City taxpayers contribute an additional $500 million annually to address the MTA’s budget deficits.
“The city annually contributes approximately $2 billion to the MTA in direct and in-kind contributions and, while we recognize the significant fiscal challenges the MTA faces, we are concerned that this increased commitment could further strain our already-limited resources,” Adams said in a statement responding to Hochul’s $227 billion proposed state budget.
The mayor’s objection to the MTA funding plan was a rare occasion of disagreement between the two centrist Democrats who have been closely aligned on a host of issues.
Adams notably began his statement by highlighting “victories” in the budget for the city. He praised the governor for committing spending on several of his key priorities, including mental health, public safety, housing and the migrant crisis.
On the latter, Hochul has pledged to pay more than $1 billion over the next two years.
But during a news conference earlier in the day, Adams declined to respond to questions about Hochul’s budget. He said he would delay commenting until his staff had finished analyzing the details.
Hochul is facing a difficult challenge with the MTA. The transit authority has experienced budget shortfalls as a result of lower subway ridership due to changes in work patterns during the pandemic. The MTA is facing a $600 million budget gap this year. The deficit is expected to grow to more than $1 billion next year.
A recent analysis by the Citizens Budget Commission found that city taxpayers provide 71% of the MTA’s non-fare and toll, nonfederal revenue.
Brad Lander, the city comptroller, also opposed the governor’s MTA funding proposal, which includes a fare hike for subway riders.
“The State should not stick the City with the bill to sustain our regional public transit system,” Lander said in his own statement.
Lander instead urged the governor to rely on an increase in payroll taxes, revenue from a plan for new casinos and congestion pricing to help the financially troubled authority.
Tagged
new york
Kathy Hochul
Politics
eric adams
news
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani faces pressure to forge ahead with plan to fix polluting South Bronx market
“We cannot let this fail,” Comptroller Mark Levine said of the Hunts Point Produce Market plan.
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 5, 2026 at 1:15 p.m. ET
Dominican man who shot border patrol officer in NYC sentenced to 15 years in prison
The shooting during a botched robbery occurred amid heightened tension over immigration enforcement.
By
Samantha Max
News
Dominican man who shot border patrol officer in NYC sentenced to 15 years in prison
The shooting during a botched robbery occurred amid heightened tension over immigration enforcement.
By
Samantha Max
NYC extends program offering late-night soccer games at 5 parks
By
Liam Quigley
Two Legionnaires’ disease cases appear at a Queens housing complex. Here’s what we know.
By
Joe Hong
Cyclist dies in Central Park after crashing into off-leash dog, NYPD says
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .