Immediate Release:  April 24, 2009

Drivers Rally with AM Rivera to Reject Taxi Tax
Loud Call for Modest Increase in Jet Fuel Tax

Assemblyman Peter Rivera and the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, joined by League of Mutual Taxi Owners (LOMTO) and the Committee for Taxi Safety, held a spirited and LOUD press conference at the steps of City Hall to rally behind AM Rivera's rejection of the $1 taxi tax and alternative proposal for a modest increase in the state's jet fuel tax to balance the MTA budget.  NYS Senators Eric Martin Dilan and Bill Perkins have introduced a bill to raise the taxi meter by $1 per fare.  The money would not go to drivers.  It would go to bailout the subways and buses (MTA) and to fix the roads and bridges in upstate New York.  The proposal has ignited the rage of taxi workers tired of being scapegoated, ignored, and trampled on. 

Drivers received more support as Mayor Michael Bloomberg upped his criticisms of the proposed taxi tax, calling it bothersome and questioning its fairness and practicality.  NYS Senator Martin Golden has also been a major critic, citing the tax as an unfair imposition to balance the budgets on taxi drivers' backs...

Read entire press release here

Support Increase in Jet Fuel Tax!

Assemblyman Peter Rivera also rejects the taxi tax and is instead proposing to raise airlines' jet fuel tax from 6 cents to 25 or 50 cents.  The revenue would be enough for the whole bailout.  So, no taxi tax, Harlem & East River tolls or payroll tax.  Senate is to vote early this week, then the Assembly.  If the two don't agree, then a Caucus negotiates a final decision. 

See AM Rivera's proposal here
Download flyer here