Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation preventing the diversion of funds raised to support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

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Res. No. 619 ..Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation preventing the diversion of funds raised to support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. ..Body By Council Members Miller and Adams Whereas, Every day millions of people rely on New York's public transportation system, a system that is essential to the continued growth and vibrancy of the City and the entire metropolitan region; and Whereas, Recognizing the immense importance of a safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation system, over time New York State has implemented a series of taxes dedicated to funding mass transit; and Whereas, In addition to fares and tolls, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") relies on these dedicated revenue streams to provide subway and bus service throughout the City; and Whereas, During challenging economic times, State government has a history of diverting funds raised through taxes dedicated to the MTA to other areas of the State budget, including the diversion of more than $390 million since 2011; and Whereas, In 2013, the State Legislature unanimously passed, but the Governor vetoed, A.5084, introduced by Assembly Member James F. Brennan, and companion bill S.3837, introduced by State Senator Martin J. Golden, known as the transit lockbox bill, which would have prevented the diversion of dedicated transit funds except by legislation and would have required the State to specifically disclose any such diversion, including specifically disclosing the expected impact of the diversion on mass transit services; and Whereas, The bill was reintroduced and is currently pending in the State Legislature as A.8511, introduced by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, and companion bill S.6807, introduced by State Senator Martin J. Golden; and Whereas, In light of the importance of sustained, reliable funding streams to maintaining the City's essential public transportation system, a strong transit lockbox law should be enacted; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation preventing the diversion of funds raised to support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. JM LS# 5812/Res. 852-2015 LS# 925 12/28/2017

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