What's going on in New York?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has just dropped another bombshell for New York City inhabitants.
The MTA recently voted to raise the transit fare once again. Single rides will go up to $2.50, 30-day unlimited cards will go from $89 to $104, and weekly unlimited rides will move up from $27 to $29. These prices are slated to go into effect on Dec. 30.
And what's more?
Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a ban on using food stamps to buy soft drinks. While there have been previous attempts to tax soda, this new proposal unfairly spotlights low-income families as the most obese members of society.
Even worse is the threat of Carl Paladino's election for New York State governor. Paladino, who has shown obvious signs of racial bigotry, is against public funding for SUNY schools. If he were to cut funding, tuition for public schools such as UB will increase greatly.
What type of message would New York be sending to the low-income families who have to continue struggling to pay for food and college?
Additionally, what type of message would Albany be sending to the outsiders who view New York City in a positive light?
New York State's attempts to control the economic crisis have been largely misguided up to this point. The cost of living in the city is already high and the changes that have been implemented help nobody but the folks at Albany.
Meanwhile, normal people like you and me are being targeted. MTA bus and train lines are already being cut and the fare increase only adds salt to the wound.
Plus, at the rate the fare is increasing, New Yorkers will be forced to turn to cars as a main source of transportation, which is bad for the environment. Also, potential residents will be put off by the increasing prices.
The proposed soda ban pins low-income families as a scapegoat for the economy. Please don't argue that it is helping the obesity problem in the state. The proposal is unfair to these families and Bloomberg, in essence, is blaming these families for the state's health issues.
And the fact that Paladino is even considered for the gubernatorial elections is the epitome of all the recent absurdities in New York. There are already a lot of problems and critical opinions of the Republican Party, which isn't exactly at its peak.
Budget cuts to UB have already severely affected UB 2020 and raised tuition. Totally cutting funding would render me unable to receive a higher education in New York.
The changes I've mentioned are everything but positive. But if I have to search the bottom of my wallet just to make it to a community college, that's just how it has to be.
