Fighting for New York City’s Fair Share

Bill Thompson believes that New York City, which contributes nearly 10% of our nation’s GDP, deserves much more State and federal funding. That is why, as New York City Comptroller, Thompson fought so hard to get New York City its fair share.

To ensure that New York City receives appropriate state and federal funding, Thompson:

• Released a report identifying $728 million in revenue to help the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reduce the need for subway and bus fare hikes.
• Identified delays in repairing and funding New York City subways and called on the federal government to dedicate Homeland Security monies to NYC Transit to keep New Yorkers safe.
• Determined that Off-Track Betting payments diverted to the racing industry and the State denied New York City vital revenues. A new arrangement provided NYC with more than $7 million in OTB-related funds annually.
• Demanded that the Federal Aviation Administration give NYC priority in a $1.8 billion air traffic control upgrade and that the aviation industry share the costs of modernizing our airports.
• Rebuked the Bush Administration for proposing steep cuts in New York City’s anti-terrorism grants.
• Identified a risk that the federal government might not make good on its pledge to deliver $5.2 billion in funds to New York City in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
• Urged the passage of a "Bigger Better Bottle Bill" that could provide the City with as much as $100 million by adding non-carbonated beverages to the deposit law.