Dear Assembly Member:

 

Today is the day to act affirmatively on congestion pricing for New York City.

 

The Citizens Budget Commission initially supported a congestion pricing plan for the city in its June 2006 report, Danger Ahead! How to Balance the MTA’s Budget. In the Spring of 2007 we were pleased to join Mayor Michael Bloomberg in the effort to implement such an arrangement as a part of his PlaNYC 2030 initiative. We submitted formal testimony to the City Council in favor of the plan and were pleased to see their adoption of it last week. Governor David Paterson and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno have indicated their support, so we are writing all Assembly members to urge their positive action.

 

Congestion pricing has been a good idea for some time. It provides additional money for mass transit, moves commuters from autos to mass transit, and promotes environmental sustainability. It is a “win, win” proposal. The federal government has approved $354 million in support to the City of New York if its plan is approved no later than today. That is why we urge your action today.

 

Thank you for considering the proposal and for your anticipated timely action.

 

Respectfully,

 

 

 

 

Eizabeth Lynam

Deputy Research Director