CITIZENS BUDGET COMMISSION

1 Penn Plaza * Suite 640 * New York, NY 10119

411 State Street * 4^th Floor * Albany, NY 12203

 

 

Contact:           Elizabeth Lynam                      Charles Brecher          

347-743-7784                            212-279-2605, ext. 315             

 

CBC Letter to New York State Assembly Supporting Congestion Pricing

 

New York, NY – April 7, 2008 – The Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) released today a letter to the New York State Assembly encouraging their affirmative action on congestion pricing. The letter reads as follows:

 

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

 

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.

 

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 joined a variety of civic groups in the effort to implement such an arrangement as a part of the 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.

 

 

Founded in 1932, the Citizens Budget Commission is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization devoted to influencing constructive change in the finances and services of New York State and New York City governments.