Congressman Rangel released the following statement about MTA in the recovery package:
"As the head of the House Ways and Means Committee, I along with the other members of the New York's Congressional delegation have worked hard to provide money for the MTA and other local needs as part of the President Barack Obama's recovery package.
However, at the end of the day, government at all levels must work together and find a way to keep these bus lines alive. These lines are a vital necessity for tens of thousands in Upper Manhattan, a way to not just travel from one point to another, but to also deliver resources, help maintain jobs and stimulate local economies.
So many of our residents use these bus lines to travel to work, not just during the day hours, but during the evening and graveyard shifts. How can we expect them to keep their jobs if we eliminate their main sources of transportation? How can we expect people to survive these tough economic times if they can't get to supermarkets and other food stores? What is the point of providing education and training programs for the young and old to look for work if they can't get to the centers providing the help?"
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