With only a few weeks remaining in negotiations over this year’s budget, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Onondaga) joined a group of upstate members at a press conference calling on the senate and governor to include $25 million for upstate transit funds in the final budget. The members raised their concerns about how both the executive and senate budget proposals lacked substantial increases in State Transit Operating Assistance (STOA) funding.

“There’s no question about it – the state must meet its responsibility to help maintain a safe and robust public transit system,” stated Assemblyman Al Stripe. “Investing in public transportation means investing in local development and ensuring our families have the means to get to their jobs and around the community safely and affordably. I urge the senate and governor to follow the Assembly’s example and include adequate funding for upstate public transit in the final budget.”

The Assembly’s budget proposal increases transit funds by $25 million, $4.1 million of which would go toward preventing CENTRO from slashing local services. Assemblymember Stirpe noted that there are now 15 upstate Assembly members calling on the senate and the governor to include the $25 million, as well as to include the establishment of a board which would make recommendations to ensure growth and fiscal stability among upstate transit system. Earlier this year, after hearing concerns from local residents about local bus service cuts, Assemblyman Stirpe called on the Assembly Speaker to include funds for CENTRO and upstate transit.

“Many members of our community – including seniors, families with children and people in need of health care – rely on public transit not only to go to work, but also for vital health services,” stated Assemblyman Stirpe. “You can’t cut services without thinking about how the nurses, caregivers and health care providers will get to their late night shifts.”

Assemblyman Stirpe noted that local groups like St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center, PACE CNY, and SEIU 1199 have also voiced their support for transportation services in the community.