Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Dean Skelos

Albany Lacks Leadership on Transit as Time Runs Out on MTA Capital Funding

By Noah Kazis | Mar 1, 2011 | 2 Comments

The MTA is still staring down a $10 billion hole in its capital plan, and the consequences of that deficit continue to roll closer. Unless money is found by the end of the year, transit expansions like the Second Avenue Subway will slow down and important maintenance will be left undone. But despite the approaching […]

Splinter Group of Senate Dems Want MTA Payroll Tax on Chopping Block

By Noah Kazis | Jan 10, 2011 | 26 Comments

The fate of the payroll mobility tax, which brings in $1.34 billion a year to the MTA, just grew a little shakier. The four members of the State Senate’s new Independent Democratic Conference, who split off from the minority Democrats last week, have come out with their agenda and included in it is a call […]

Suburban State Senate Candidates Campaign Against MTA Payroll Tax

By Noah Kazis | Nov 1, 2010 | 8 Comments

With the MTA at least $9 billion short on funding for its five-year capital plan, New Yorkers who ride buses and subways should be counting on legislators to secure a new revenue stream for transit. But after tomorrow’s elections, the first transit fight in Albany may not be over new revenue at all. Repealing the […]

With No Plan for Transit, the Next Fare Hike Is Just Around the Bend

By Ben Fried | Mar 25, 2009 | 16 Comments

If state legislators don’t act to undo the outcome of today’s MTA Board meeting, it would mark the second straight year that fares have gone up, which is already a departure from the norm. And it’s going to get worse, say Gene Russianoff and the Straphangers Campaign: Without new financial help from Albany soon, the […]

Skelos Ascension Clouds Prospect of Pricing Revival

By Brad Aaron | Jun 25, 2008 | 19 Comments

Yesterday, retiring New York State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno handed the reins to Deputy Leader Dean Skelos, Republican from Nassau County. Though some see this unforeseen development as an opportunity to move on much-needed reforms in Albany, it’s not great news for advocates of congestion pricing. If Governor Paterson looks to revive pricing via […]