Governor Paterson today announced that he will be sending two bills to the legislature for their consideration. The first grants the Governor an Executive Authority Option – that would grant the Executive Branch the one-time authority to administratively direct the reduction of 2009-10 fiscal year payments in order to close a $3.2 billion current-year budget gap. The text of this bill can be found by Clicking Here. The second bill is a full Deficit Reduction Proposal which has been modified from its October version.

While there are some changes in other areas, we are told that the 2.8% cuts to operating for systems have not been changed. Below please find an outline of proposed cuts to transit by system. We will keep you updated as the Legislature considers these and any other measures to close the state deficit.

Governor Urges Immediate Action on Budget Deficit

This week, Governor Paterson sent an open letter to every New York State legislator calling for immediate action to address the State’s budget deficit. In this letter, the Governor acknowledges necessary cuts in health care and education, which account for more than half of the State budget. The full text of the letter can be read by following this link.

Basile Testifies on Behalf of NYPTA Regarding 5 Year Capital Plan

This Monday, November 23, 2009 in Albany, NY Carm Basile testified in front of Chairman Dilan and members of the Transportation Committee for the New York Public Transit Association regarding the New York State Department of Transportation 5-Year Capital Program which was proposed last month. Basile is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Text of his testimony can be found by Clicking Here.

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