Remember, we need $3 billion per year for ongoing nornal replacement in the capital plan, and that’s assuming the MTA starts spending the money more efficiently. Just for us, not the whole country, and not this year, every year into the future.

Weiner said that congestion pricing was a rich Republican plot, and without it the gas tax and transit funding would rise. I’d say he promised $1 billion per year.’

Brodsky said the state would come up with the money. He’s on the hook for $1 billion.

But the only state option now on the table is a payroll tax that exempts those pension-privileged retirees, and would continue forever while only funding five years worth of ongoing normal replacement. The business community is in favor, because they know in this labor market the tax would be shifted entirely to the workers, in lower wages and benefits. Except for the public sector, which would pass the cost on to those same workers in higher taxes and diminished public services.

Then there is the hidden billions. Where are DiNapoli and Thompson on the hidden accounts with billions of dollars that could be used without costing anyone anything? We’re heard about those hidden billions from the City and State Comptroller’s offices for years, but suddenly they are silent.