NEWS FROM NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MINORITY LEADER JAMES N. TEDISCO

Contact: Joshua Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-3751
Email: tediscj@assembly.state.ny.us
For Immediate Release:
January 27, 2008

Statement from Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco
(R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga)

"Comptroller DiNapoli's audit of the New York State Thruway Authority has revealed precisely what our Assembly Minority Conference and I have been saying since last fall - there is no justification for an increase in Thruway tolls. Overtaxed New Yorkers cannot afford the Thruway Authority's proposed 10 percent toll hike on top of their earlier toll hike that just went into effect a few weeks ago. Without question, the Thruway Authority is 'exhibit A' in the case for New York needing comprehensive public authority reform, as the Comptroller's audit clearly asserted that the Authority needs better financial management practices. This is why our Conference believes any decision to increase tolls must be taken out of the Authority's hands and left up to the 212 elected Members of the Legislature. We have already introduced legislation - Assembly Bill A.9616 - that would do so. The Comptroller's call for removing the State Canal Corporation from the Thruway Authority also echoes legislation our Conference has sponsored. This is another idea the legislature should support, as it would increase accountability and save taxpayer dollars. Comptroller DiNapoli should be commended for his audit and recommendations."



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