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Another group of suburban Democratic lawmakers has raised \u201cconcerns\u201d that Gov. Andrew Cuomo\u2019s congestion pricing plan to fund mass transit shortchanges their region.<\/p>\n
Five Hudson Valley state senators representing Metro-North commuters and motorists north of the city released a statement saying \u201csubstantial changes\u201d are needed to the MTA overhaul agreed to by Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio<\/a>.<\/p>\n The five senators who signed the letter are James Skoufis, Jen Metzger, David Carlucci, Pete Harckham and Shelley Mayer.<\/p>\n The letter comes just days after the six-member state Senate delegation on Long Island also said they opposed the current plan.<\/p>\n \u201cWe agree that the subway system is in dire need of repair; however, it is imperative that Metro-North, both east- and west-of-Hudson, receive dedicated share of new revenue generated,\u201d the Hudson Valley delegation said.<\/p>\n They also said their constituents should be double taxed by having to pay a congestion fee and the toll if they cross the Tappan Zee or George Washington Bridge to get into Manhattan.<\/p>\n And they asked for representation on a new MTA Capital Review Committee to ensure input on rail construction needs.<\/p>\n \u201cAs representatives for Hudson Valley commuters, it is our responsibility to ensure that any congestion pricing plan is not funded from their pockets without ample benefit,\u201d the senators wrote.<\/p>\n During a call-in to WNYC radio, Cuomo was asked if the congestion plan would pass the Legislature by the April 1 budget deadline.<\/p>\n \u201cI would say yes \u2014 with the caveat that I\u2019m an optimist,\u201d the governor said.<\/p>\n Without mentioning either the Long Island or Hudson Valley senators, he said opposition by legislators is to be expected.<\/p>\n \u201cLocal officials don\u2019t like to do difficult things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n