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

Cuomo “Eviscerated” Transit Lockbox, Says Bill’s Sponsor

Michael Nagle/Getty Images ##http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/?attachment_id=8##via Times Union##

Governor Andrew Cuomo and the leadership of the state legislature added insult to injury last night, neutering the transit lockbox bill even after they put hundreds of millions in dedicated transit revenue at risk. While lockbox language did make it into the omnibus legislation passed last night, the governor's office stripped out the meaningful provisions and added a giant loophole.

"It's eviscerating our bill," said Lorrie Smith, legislative director for Assembly Member James Brennan, the lockbox's sponsor along with State Senator Marty Golden. "It completely removes the impact statement requirement and it allows the governor to declare an emergency and take whatever money he wants subject to legislative removal, which is what we have now."

Since no law short of a constitutional amendment could completely stop future legislatures from raiding the MTA's dedicated funds, the most important provision in the lockbox bill required the creation of a "diversion impact statement" whenever a raid was commenced. The statement would have clearly detailed how much was stolen from transit riders and estimated the impact on transit riders' fares and service. That sunshine provision -- which ought to have been a favorite of a governor who campaigned on transparency -- was stripped out last night.

Smith said that Brennan, the bill's sponsor, was surprised to find the bill destroyed. He only saw the language yesterday afternoon, she said, hours before the bill was passed.

What motivated the last-minute changes? "This is what the governor negotiated," Smith said. "We really don't know."

Smith promised that Brennan would reintroduce his bill in its full form next year.

Coming on top of the massive cut to the MTA payroll tax -- a move which could cost the MTA up to $320 million dollars a year over time -- the effective veto of the lockbox bill caps off a political deal that has threatened transit service at every turn.

Transit advocates, good government groups, labor unions and construction associations all blasted the dismantling of the lockbox bill. "Our groups are disappointed that Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver used this special session to effectively nullify the provisions of the transit 'lockbox' bill that was overwhelmingly passed during the regular session," said a statement released jointly by the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Citizens Committee for NYC, Common Cause/NY, the General Contractors Association, the League of Women Voters of NY State, NRDC, the NYS Council of Machinists, NYLCV, Reinvent Albany, the Straphangers Campaign, Transportation Alternatives, TSTC and TWU Local 100. "We do not support the substitute legislation passed in this special session. It does not constrain future raids on transit funds and deletes the requirement that the impacts of the diversion of transit dedicated funds be reported."

It's worth remembering that every member of the State Assembly and every member of the State Senate voted for the original, stronger lockbox legislation. Even without a strong lockbox, the members of the legislature shouldn't be allowed to renege on their stated support for keeping dedicated transit funding dedicated to transit.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025

DoorDash Lobbying Sunk Bill to Require Apps to Insure Delivery Workers

A secret memo from the rich app company described a simple insurance bill as "costly." And legislators fell into line.

June 30, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: City Hall Handshake Edition

The Department of Sustainable Delivery finally has funding ... but for what? Plus more news.

June 30, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Council Will Force Apps To Fund Safe E-Bikes for Workers

The City Council is set to pass a bill on Monday that will make app companies responsible for their workers using safe e-bikes.

June 27, 2025
See all posts