Discussing Fare Hikes at the MTA; Fighting to Save School-based Dental Clinics

This morning, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum stood with Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. to comment on the Metropolitan Transit Authority's vote to enact fare hikes and service cuts on New York City subways and buses. Gotbaum said, "Today's vote is a devastating blow both to transit riders and to the city. I supported the Ravitch Commission's recommendations for tolling on the East and Harlem River Bridges, and enacting a business payroll tax. These actions could have helped us avoid service cuts and fare increases. Now, riders will pay more and get less. It's unfortunate, to say the least, that reasonable recommendations made by the Ravitch Commission were not adopted in time to avoid this outcome."

Later, Public Advocate Gotbaum gave remarks at the City Council Health Committee hearing, where she released a new report, "Touching a Nerve: How Closing the City's Oral Health Program Reduces Access to Dental Care for New York City Children". Gotbaum questioned the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on its reasons for closing the Oral Health Program (OHP); and, citing her report, she voiced skepticism about whether the families who benefited from the OHP will be able to access the same services from Medicaid dentists or HHC clinics.

Comments

[Virginia Hooper]

As for the MTA fare hikes, and threatening city deficts, I think law enforcement should make a consistent attempt to issue fines and summons for car drivers who violate cell phone and/or handheld computational devices, while driving.

This is a far more serious threat to citizens than quality-of-life violations. Further, revenue would be generated for city coffers, that is directly related to mass transit needs.

[Non Plus]

Ticket car drivers who use cell phones while driving to raise city funds and reduce traffic accidents; it may also serve as an environmentally appropriate incentive to use the MTA.