"Congestion pricing” — which everyone knows is euphemistic fudge talk for a new Manhattan toll — does not right now have the votes for passage in either the Senate or the Assembly, declared Assemb. Richard Brodsky, a leading vocal opponent.
But even if that proves true — and another Assembly Democrat puts it at about 50-50 — a possible procedural wrinkle is still worthy of note:
Foes of the plan are now posing the prospect that if the Legislature here changes the details of the plan, it would have to return to the New York City Council for a re-vote, which could prove risky given Speaker Christine Quinn’s new apparent troubles.
Questions remain about how the funding would flow, about an environmental impact process, and whether it represents a regressive tax that gives New Jersey residents parity of access with New York residents.
-- Dan Janison in Albany
Comments (1)
Two thumbs up to Brodsky for having the BIG BALLS to stand up and hold his ground on this one! The fact that this Quinn Slush Fund now comes to light raises some serious issues. Was this this fund used to influence council votes for the congestion tax? It makes no sense that a bunch of term limited council members would back this tax on the outter boroughs.Govenor Patterson in light of the recent events regarding his predecessor and political interferance in investigations should step right in and appoint a special prosecutor to look at this. Remember what happened when Spitzer "influenced" the course of an investigation.