|
|
| Re: MTA state funding opportunities improve (645047) | |||
 |
|||
| Home > SubChat | |||
|
[ Read Responses | Post a New Response | Return to the Index ] |
|
||
|
Re: MTA state funding opportunities improve |
|
|
Posted by trainsarefun on Sun Jul 6 10:53:53 2008, in response to Re: MTA state funding opportunities improve, posted by SelkirkTMO on Sun Jul 6 04:47:55 2008. If you look at the history of GOP LIers in the NYS Senate, you see that they 'hoard', often in a selfish manner. Consider, e.g., the LI school funding formula. At the same time, the state GOP is allegedly interested in keeping the budget down, but if Skelos thinks that he can ignore the powerful upstate contingent, then he is mistaken.Rest assured, I doubt that Skelos will make that mistake. He played important roles in GOP kingmaking in the State Senate, by aiding the elevation of Ralph Marino, who was from Oyster Bay, and then in deposing Marino by offering much aid to Joe Bruno. It will certainly be possible that Skelos would continue to curry favor with upstate, but at the cost of reducing funding for all of MTA territory except for LI. Skelos could opt for that route, which would preserve both his interest in allegedly keeping expenditures down, while appeasing upstaters. But while Skelos could do that, he would also be dealing a blow to his chances as remaining in power as a result of overall GOP returns across the state. So Skelos could instead opt for continuation of the status quo, while increasing funding formulas for LI, and then criticizing the Governor for the budget increases. At least in the short-term, I expect that will be Skelos' approach, since he first has to retain the narrow GOP majority or else he will be in the minority, and out of power. |
|
|
|