At @ABetterNY, @NYGovCuomo goes all in for congestion pricing as "the only realistic option" to fund the MTA and its major capital needs.
Cuomo, arguing for congestion pricing as "only realistic option," mocks idea of a millionaires tax to get MTA revenue. Says people say "ideally" there'd be a tax, but he doesn't live in the ideal, he is "an executive" who has to get things done and it's CP or bust.
Nearing an end to his 8th year as Governor, Cuomo says dealing with the MTA is "what's next" for his infrastructure program.
"I have no problem stepping up and taking responsibility," Cuomo says of fixing the MTA. This is untrue, he has had a lot of trouble taking responsibility, and does so inconsistently.
Speaking in Manhattan in a room full of business/civic elite, Cuomo says politicians really need to get real and stop calling for higher taxes. He has not mentioned Bill de Blasio by name.
Cuomo says Gateway is his second priority behind the subways. Proceeds to criticize Trump for holding up funding for Gateway. Says Trump is using it to bargain b/c he wants funding for the border wall.
Cuomo says he is producing a video to show Trump and others what the real situation is with Gateway, a tunnel that is "going to collapse," a tunnel that is not Democratic or Republicans. Says ideological politics are "separating this nation" & must stop.
Cuomo, who just put his and his father's names on a giant new bridge, says he thinks Trump wants a border wall so he can put his name on it in big gold letters.
As he usually is at ABNY, Cuomo is flying high.
Shortly after decrying partisan politics Cuomo is going on a long screed against Republicans, including repeatedly his Republican opponent for Governor, tho he doesn't name @marcmolinaro. Calls NY Rs Trump mini-mes, etc.
Asked about latest re federal tax reform & NY efforts to combat SALT changes; Cuomo gives lengthy explanation of how bad the situation is, that it's 'devastating' to New York. Doesn't say anything about NY efforts to combat beyond lawsuit, which he says he's pessimistic about.
And that's a wrap on another episode of the greatest show on earth: Andrew Cuomo at ABNY
