Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Andrew Cuomo

Cuomo Budget Amendments Claim End to MTA Raids After This Year

4:18 PM EST on March 7, 2011

In amendments to the state budget released last week [PDF], the Cuomo administration claims that its $100 million raid on dedicated MTA funds was a one-time deal that won't be repeated in the next three years.

In detailing its plan to close the state's deficit, the budget document lists the $200 million the state took from the MTA (it separately gave $100 million back) as part of the plan for FY 2011-12. For the next three budget years, the document calls for $0 in raids from the MTA.

That isn't really a promise of no future raids. Using funds explicitly intended to support transit to plug the holes in the state budget isn't something the Cuomo administration is going to advertise before it has to.

It is, however, a statement that the state does not currently plan to continue stealing from transit. If one year from now it becomes clear that the state intends to keep raiding the MTA, it will be that much more of a betrayal of transit riders.

Of course, the budget amendments also show a $2.2 billion dollar deficit remaining for next year even including the currently planned cuts. So don't get too optimistic.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Popular Fort Greene Open Street Fizzles After City Pulls Support

DOT reassigned its contractor, and this open street — which once hosted rollicking dance parties — is history.

October 2, 2023

Monday’s Headlines: Thin-Skinned, Anti-Restler Mayor Edition

Under fire for how he handled the storm, the mayor found a familiar target: Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler. Plus other news.

October 2, 2023

Two Paths Forward: Broadway Shows What Could Be on Fifth Avenue

It's time to widen Fifth Avenue's sidewalks and add a protected bike lane. Delays hurt everyone.

CYCLE OF RAGE: Even Cheap Souvenir Plates Fool NYC Speed Cameras — And Piss Off an Out-of-Town Man

You don't have to be SEXY to fool New York City speed cameras. You just have to pretend to be.

October 2, 2023

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023
See all posts