And that’s the fundamental problem with legislation like this. No one can prevent socially irresponsible behavior, but we certainly shouldn’t encourage it.

What money were you referring to by “that money”?

This is something that could have easily sunk low, with proponents wondering how anyone could be against supporting teachers. I still say we use that money to support teachers! I’m so glad people saw the difference between supporting teachers and providing a direct incentive to drive.

Common sense – I like it.

They are friendly to their own cars, not to having other people’s cars compete for parking. Hence the contradiction of the automobile — one’s own automobile improves their quality of life and reduces everyone else’s.

I think the bill is a bad idea but your projection overstates the case. First, not all teachers own cars. Second, the availability of parking isn’t the only factor in deciding whether to drive or not. The cost of gas, wear and tear on the car, and the level of traffic all come into play.

And finally there’s the convenience of public transportation (or the lack of it.) If a subway or bus stops near both ends of the journey then it would be the preferred method of commuting, regardless of the availability of parking. OTOH if a teacher is commuting from one side of Queens to the other driving would be appealing.

Actually, it would encourage 34.2 million car trips per year. (95,000 teachers x 180 school days x 2 trips per day). Lets have our teachers lead by example, and get them onto buses, trains, and bikes!