"The 2008-09 State Budget will be woefully incomplete if it does not contain a Congestion Pricing plan. Congestion Pricing will help alleviate traffic congestion, protect the environment, reduce commute times, curb greenhouse gas emissions, decrease the prevalence of childhood asthma and provide much needed investment in public infrastructure, mass transit and recreational improvement projects. Mayor Bloomberg has made a clear, consistent and compelling case as to why and how Congestion Pricing will help improve the quality of life for New York City residents. It's only appropriate that our State Legislature recognize this and give the Mayor and the City Council what they have asked for. Despite the continued opposition of some in the Assembly Majority, there is, in fact, strong support for Congestion Pricing and if brought to the floor I believe it would pass. I urge those in the Assembly Majority who oppose Congestion Pricing to rethink their position and join me in giving Mayor Bloomberg, the City Council and all of New York City this critical tool."