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Reyes.Norreida.Testimony.030410

Norreida (Norra) Reyes
Norreida (Norra) Reyes

Norreida Reyes, a New York State Senate Majority Leader, testified before the Metropolitan Transit Authority to oppose proposed fee increases and service cuts. She argued that the cuts would disproportionately impact the poorest residents of her district who rely on public transportation. Reyes urged the MTA to consider leasing or selling some of its real estate holdings before balancing its budget through measures that would leave citizens stranded. She also called on the MTA to prioritize maintaining and enhancing services in low-income areas like the Bronx.

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Sample Testimony, Norreida Reyes NYS Senate Majority Leader, Spring 2010 Page 1 of 2 Testimony Before the Metropolitan Transit Authority March 3, 2010 Dear Chairman Walder and Honored Panelists: Thank you for the opportunity to present testimony to you today regarding fee and service changes affecting the people I represent. As Senate Majority Leader, I am naturally concerned with the entire MTA-affected area, but this topic is especially important here in Senate District 33 in the Bronx. As you know, State and City governments are not alone in coping with serious revenue shortfalls and rising costs. The very people we have been chosen to serve and protect have been losing jobs, losing services, and are forced to pay more for rent, food, transportation not to mention healthcare and education. As proud as I am of the strength and resilience of the people of the Bronx, there is only so much that we can take. I am fighting for my people here, and frankly, I think Chairman Walder and the MTA must fight for them as well. Naturally, I must express my deep opposition to the MTAs decision to increase fees and cut services as a means of closing the Authoritys budget gap. But more than that, I am asking the MTA to enhance services here, rather than cut them. The fact is, the Bronx has already been enduring loss of services, deferred maintenance, and lack of upgrades for disabled riders. And here, where educational opportunity is most needed, the MTA should be fighting to keep Student Metro Cards at all costs. You should know that the MTAs proposed service line cuts disproportionately impact the poorest areas of my district. People with an annual income of less than $30,000 a year people who depend on your services for work, job interviews, doctors appointments, and grocery shopping, will be left stranded. There are other solutions than balancing the budget on the backs of the people the MTA serves. Unlike the senior citizens and children who are dependent on MTA
Sample Testimony, Norreida Reyes NYS Senate Majority Leader, Spring 2010 Page 2 of 2 services, the MTA has access to vast real property resources which I believe can result in long-term revenue for the Authority through leasing. Even one-shot revenues from property sales should be seriously considered. Before any action is taken that impacts the most vulnerable populations who rely on mass transit, the MTA must make a full accounting of its financial records, including an inventory of all real property holdings. Furthermore, questions have been raised in these hearings as to the MTAs budget priorities whether capital projects are more important than your riders. Whether the MTA is sufficiently seeking increases in federal funds. Whether wasteful practices have been fully identified and addressed. The MTA budget gap must be measured against real numbers, and the MTA must prioritize fiscally prudent lease and sale of assets before deciding to leave children, seniors, and hard-working citizens stranded without a safe, reliable and affordable means to get to and from work, school, grocery shopping, and doctors appointments. These are challenging times for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. They are challenging for us all. And I am highly aware that the State has to do its part to create a State budget that is fiscally responsible but still protects the public safety, education, and services most necessary in this economy for the people of the Bronx. But the MTA has to do its part, too. I urge you to focus on keeping vital services running and even enhanced. The real solution for this economic crisis is jobs, and I and the NYS Senate are doing our part to make that happen. Sincerely, NYS Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr.

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Reyes.Norreida.Testimony.030410

  • 1. Sample Testimony, Norreida Reyes NYS Senate Majority Leader, Spring 2010 Page 1 of 2 Testimony Before the Metropolitan Transit Authority March 3, 2010 Dear Chairman Walder and Honored Panelists: Thank you for the opportunity to present testimony to you today regarding fee and service changes affecting the people I represent. As Senate Majority Leader, I am naturally concerned with the entire MTA-affected area, but this topic is especially important here in Senate District 33 in the Bronx. As you know, State and City governments are not alone in coping with serious revenue shortfalls and rising costs. The very people we have been chosen to serve and protect have been losing jobs, losing services, and are forced to pay more for rent, food, transportation not to mention healthcare and education. As proud as I am of the strength and resilience of the people of the Bronx, there is only so much that we can take. I am fighting for my people here, and frankly, I think Chairman Walder and the MTA must fight for them as well. Naturally, I must express my deep opposition to the MTAs decision to increase fees and cut services as a means of closing the Authoritys budget gap. But more than that, I am asking the MTA to enhance services here, rather than cut them. The fact is, the Bronx has already been enduring loss of services, deferred maintenance, and lack of upgrades for disabled riders. And here, where educational opportunity is most needed, the MTA should be fighting to keep Student Metro Cards at all costs. You should know that the MTAs proposed service line cuts disproportionately impact the poorest areas of my district. People with an annual income of less than $30,000 a year people who depend on your services for work, job interviews, doctors appointments, and grocery shopping, will be left stranded. There are other solutions than balancing the budget on the backs of the people the MTA serves. Unlike the senior citizens and children who are dependent on MTA
  • 2. Sample Testimony, Norreida Reyes NYS Senate Majority Leader, Spring 2010 Page 2 of 2 services, the MTA has access to vast real property resources which I believe can result in long-term revenue for the Authority through leasing. Even one-shot revenues from property sales should be seriously considered. Before any action is taken that impacts the most vulnerable populations who rely on mass transit, the MTA must make a full accounting of its financial records, including an inventory of all real property holdings. Furthermore, questions have been raised in these hearings as to the MTAs budget priorities whether capital projects are more important than your riders. Whether the MTA is sufficiently seeking increases in federal funds. Whether wasteful practices have been fully identified and addressed. The MTA budget gap must be measured against real numbers, and the MTA must prioritize fiscally prudent lease and sale of assets before deciding to leave children, seniors, and hard-working citizens stranded without a safe, reliable and affordable means to get to and from work, school, grocery shopping, and doctors appointments. These are challenging times for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. They are challenging for us all. And I am highly aware that the State has to do its part to create a State budget that is fiscally responsible but still protects the public safety, education, and services most necessary in this economy for the people of the Bronx. But the MTA has to do its part, too. I urge you to focus on keeping vital services running and even enhanced. The real solution for this economic crisis is jobs, and I and the NYS Senate are doing our part to make that happen. Sincerely, NYS Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr.