New York, NY – The budget agreement makes 2% property tax cap permanent. It Includes criminal justice
reforms as well as and an MTA plan that includes central business district tolling. In addition it increases education aid by over $1 billion bringing total education funding to $27.9 billion. Public campaign finance also included.
“From the beginning, I said we will not do a budget that fails to address three major issues that have evaded this state for decades – the permanent property tax cap, criminal justice reform and an MTA overhaul including Central Business District Tolling,” Governor Cuomo said. “I also said this budget must be done right – meaning it must be fiscally responsible and protect New York from the federal government’s ongoing economic assault on our state. I am proud to announce that together, we got it done. This agreement accomplishes our goals and enacts the transformative policies of our 100-day Justice Agenda, while keeping spending at2% for the 9th consecutive year.
The Budget holds spending growth at 2% for the ninth consecutive year and cuts taxes for the middle class. It also addresses the cash bail system with provisions to speed up trials.
“The 2019-2020 State Budget will provide an over $1 billion increase in state education aid, with a focus on struggling school districts. The budget will also provide essential AIM funds for local governments, a permanent property tax cap, and tax relief for Middle Class New Yorkers. Additionally, we have taken historic steps to implement a public financing system, reform our criminal justice system, and ban single-use plastic bags. Our first budget as the Senate Majority will help move New York forward and build a stronger, fairer, more prosperous, and cleaner state for generations to come,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said.
The MTA collection plan includes a Central Business District tolling program. This will include the installation of electronic tolling devices south of 60th Street in Manhattan. The program will be established, operated, and maintained by the TBTA, working closely with the New York City Department of Transportation. Tolls will be variable and passenger vehicles will only be charged once per day. The implementation day will not be before December 31, 2020.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said,”Despite the financial challenges we face, the Assembly Majority fought to defend the needs of our most vulnerable populations in this year’s state budget. This budget delivers on our promise to develop sustainable funding for the MTA and addresses critical transportation needs throughout the state. Importantly, we were able to secure landmark criminal justice reforms that will make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers.”
