Senate Democrats Introduce MTA Bailout

New York, NY —

New York Senate Democrats have introduced their bill to rescue the MTA, and they're expected to vote on it Tuesday. WNYC's Matthew Schuerman reports.

REPORTER: Senate leaders estimate the bill raises 1-point-76 billion dollars a year through a soup bowl of taxes, fees, and a dollar surcharge on each cab ride. While Mayor Bloomberg and newspaper editorial boards have ridiculed some of the bill's provisions, Governor Paterson defends them.

PATERSON: The best way to reach an agreement is not to in any way impugn any of the particular suggestions.

REPORTER: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver also hinted he'll back the Senate version. Four suburban Democrats have said they have problems with the plan to tax employers, but they've not gone so far as to pledge a no vote. With a 32 to 30 vote majority, the Democratic leaders will need the support of every member of their party.

For WNYC, I'm Matthew Schuerman.