Adams Says No to Higher MTA Fares
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams released testimony to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on a proposed fare hike for riders starting in 2021, where he expressed his opposition to these potential far increases.
He noted that they will fall hardest on those who can afford it least, particularly low-income riders and frontline workers already struggling to keep up with basic expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying economic downturn.
“The proposed fare hikes by the MTA would create even greater financial strain on Black and Brown and low-income New Yorkers, who are already reeling from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are by-and-large the same people we counted on to keep our public transit system running, our grocery shelves stocked, our hospitals staffed, our streets clean, and other essential duties at the height of the pandemic.
“We should first consider solutions that wouldn’t impose additional burdens on the New Yorkers who can least afford it right now. With an incoming Biden administration, now is the time to lobby for the agency to get its due funding from the federal government, and to ensure that our public transit system continues to be the grease lubricating the economic engine that is New York City,” said Adams.
The pandemic has deepened the MTA’s financial woes. The agency is currently hemorrhaging money, largely due to a drastic drop in ridership and farebox revenue collection that resulted. The MTA estimates it is facing a $15.9 billion budget deficit through the year 2024, and it has requested $12 billion in federal funding to stave off draconian service cutbacks. Absent this support, it has proposed 40 percent cuts to subway and bus service, and 50 percent cuts to commuter rail service. It would also be forced to lay off more than 9,000 employees. The proposals being considered would raise $153 million over the next year.
Rose’s Farewell Address- “Don’t Give Up the Fight”
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) delivered a farewell address to Congress yesterday reflecting on his last two years of service to New York’s 11th Congressional District.
“In the face of unimaginable adversity, we don’t give up fighting until it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from, but in this country you can accomplish your dreams. A safe America, a just America, our America,” Rose said.
“You know, in light of recent electoral results, some have begun to wonder if Democrats should soft-pedal the fight for equal justice, if they should take a step back from fighting for economic security, or even just give up. I am here to say absolutely not. Justice cannot wait. If you aren’t willing to risk everything to build a better country, then you do not belong here in the first place,” he finished.
In his time in Congress, Rose fought for his district and delivered results, including: returning over $19 million to constituents, securing over $190 million in federal grants for Staten Island and South Brooklyn, permanently renewed and fully funded the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, secured a $140 million increase in funding to support opioid prevention, treatment and recovery efforts, passed the law to allow work to begin on the East Shore Seawall, enacted split tolling on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and passed into law the Fentanyl Sanctions Act.
“To close, Mr. Speaker, representing Staten Island and South Brooklyn has been the honor of my life. On behalf of Leigh, Miles, and myself I want to thank the people of the 11th Congressional District for this extraordinary privilege. I’m not sure what life has in store for us, but I will be on the frontlines, making sure our city and country live up to its promise. May God bless my colleagues with the strength to do what is right. And may God bless this great country,” Rose concluded.
Myrie Roundtable and Announcements
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) reminds his constituents what resources are around and that he is hosting a small business roundtable to discuss the challenges facing our district’s business owners, and share resources available to them from providers here in Brooklyn. Please RSVP.
Other Announcements
Medical Administrative Assistant Program Recruiting:
- This 13-week full-time training, Monday through Friday 9 am – 4 pm, is for youth ages 17-24 with their High School diploma or HSE who are interested in a career in healthcare.
- Participants earn their Medical Administrative Assistant Certification from the National Health career Association and learn medical terminology, basic bookkeeping, communications, telephone techniques, and customer service.
- Participants will intern in medical offices and receive job placement assistance. Must be 17-24 years old, must have a high school diploma or HSE, not enrolled in school, must be unemployed, U.S work-eligible, must reside in New York City.
- Must be available Monday-to-Friday, 9am-to-4pm. To apply, email SGuzman@obtjobs.org, including: the program of interest, whether you meet the criteria requirements and contact information to reach you.
Fresh Food Boxes in Brownsville:
- Brownsville community members can now receive a weekly supply of cooking greens, salad greens, and popular herbs alongside a unique assortment of locally sourced seasonal fruit and vegetables and shelf-stable items from GrowNYC, Ace Endico, Bowery Farming and local partner Brooklyn Packers. Brownsville Fresh Food Box distributions take place every Saturday from 10:00am – 4:00pm at
- Collective Fare at the BCCC (located at 69 Belmont Ave). Each Fresh Food Box contains over $30 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables plus grocery basics that can feed 1-2 people for an entire week for just $7 when paying with SNAP/EBT or $10 with cash. Distributions will also feature on-site pre-screening support for SNAP registration from Hunger-Free America trained staff to help more residents easily access healthy food throughout their community. Customers can sign up in advance at bit.ly//brownsvillefoodbox, or can walk in during any distribution.
Re-Entry Hotline Open
- The Community Service Society and Youth Represent have launched a Reentry Legal Hotline, linking New Yorkers to experienced legal staff who can help resolve conviction history-related employment, licensing, job clearance, work conditions, and other issues – through advice, brief service, administrative advocacy or litigation, depending on what is needed. They also advise on conviction history-related matters, represent eligible individuals in records-sealing applications, and assist in obtaining Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct. All services are provided free of charge. Please call (646) 759-8088.
