Action by Nassau's state legislative delegation and proposals from Democrats in the county legislature took place against the backdrop of Tuesday's overflowing public hearing on the cuts. The hearing and other demonstrations of opposition to the cuts have shown a strong and vocal constituency for a healthy Nassau County transit system, a factor Gulotta apparently overlooked when he announced a deep reduction in Nassau's contribution to Long Island Bus operations in December. But Gulotta's backing is essential to a county contribution to a funding solution. If no deal is worked out, the cuts - which will eliminate 23 routes and entirely and reduce service on most of the 30 remaining lines - could start to take effect in June

On Tuesday, State Senator Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) announced that the Nassau delegation in the Senate had secured approval to include $2.3 million in Long Island Bus operating funds in the Senate's 2000-2001 budget proposal. Governor Pataki also announced release of $680,000 in supplementary state transit operating funds to LI Bus on Monday.

Thursday's NY Times reported that Assembly Member Thomas DiNapoli, leader of Nassau Democrats in the State Assembly, had announced his chamber had found $3 million in its discretionary budget for LI Bus.

Long Island Bus President Neil Yellin has told state and county officials that a $9 million restoration would eliminate the need for any service cuts. Long Island Bus is down over $12 million from what it says it needs from the county this year: $5 million was pared away in county budget negotiations last year, and Gulotta announced a further $7 million reduction in December.

Before December's cuts, Nassau County was participating in several studies that recommended increases in Long Island Bus service. Ridership on the system is up about 20% over the past three years.

Albany's action on LI Bus funding leaves Nassau County with a relatively small bill to fill to put the issue of bus cuts behind it, at least for this year.

Prior to Tuesday's hearing, Nassau Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside) convened a press conference to propose a County-level solution. He said a portion of the $20 million that will flow into Nassau's coffers next week from a tax assessment settlement with the L.I. Power Authority should be set aside to prevent LI Bus service cuts. The plan has the backing of County legislative leader Judith Jacobs and other Democrats. The Tri-State Campaign, along with ACORN, NY League of Conservation Voters, and Transport Workers Union Local 252.

However, County Executive Gulotta has since refused to take responsibility for the cuts, instead blaming LI Bus and the MTA. In Thursday's NY Times, Gulotta pointed to an "MTA budget surplus" and argued it should pay for the Nassau bus budget. However, distribution of MTA funds to NYC Transit and the commuter railroads is based on legislated and politically sensitive formulas, which indeed already favor the suburbs. Apart from the legal complexity of changing that system, the idea of redirecting extra fare or tax revenue from jam-packed NYC buses and subways to bail Gulotta and Nassau County out of their budget mess won't pass anyone's laugh test.

It is hoped that the responsible steps taken by the State Senate, Governor Pataki, the State Assembly and the Nassau Legislature's Democrats will soon persuade Gulotta to do the right thing and contribute the County's share to the rescue of Long Island Bus.