Issues: Alternative Transport

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.

Highlights of the Executive Budget:

· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.

· Holds spending increases below 2 percent for third consecutive year.

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I - 59th District) today announced several ways that Western New Yorkers, and all New Yorkers, can help the massive relief effort underway in the New York City Metro Area in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy that ravaged the Eastern Seaboard last week.

Gallivan urged New Yorkers to utilize The American Red Cross and Catholic Charities, or other trusted charitable organizations who have strong track records of efficiently and effectively distributing relief aid in disaster situations.

Queens, NY–Following pronouncements that previously cut transportation services in westernQueens would not be restored, Senator Michael Gianaris is calling on the MetropolitanTransportation Authority (MTA) to expand Q103 bus line hours of operation. He sent a letter toMTA Chairman Joe Lhota requesting a review of the Q103 for possible expansion to night andweekend service.

Governor Cuomo released the following announcement on March 27, 2012:

The Budget continues the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state. It closes a multi-billion dollar deficit with no new taxes, fees or gimmicks, limits spending growth to two percent or below for the second year in a row, and launches the New York Works Task Force to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the state's roads, bridges, parks, and other infrastructure and create tens of thousands of jobs.

NYS/NYC Dept of Transportation agree to six-point improvement plan 

Report shows that MTA is not doing enough to prevent or alert riders of subway service disruptions

Queens, NY – Senator Michael Gianaris applauded State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and City Comptroller John Liu as they released a joint audit that takes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to task for leaving subway riders in the dark about wasteful and unproductive service diversions. According to the audit, subway service diversions are increasing and over budget with little explanation or instruction to riders.

Senator Gianaris on Sunday joined the Comptrollers at a press conference at Queensborough Plaza in Long Island City to announce the audit’s results.