Gulotta's proposed 2001 budget repeat's last year county bus cuts of $7 million, and his multi-year plan would completely eliminate county support for the bus system by 2002. The breadth of support the new letter represents stands as a strong reminder to the legislature of last year's public outcry against the proposed cuts, and the painful public hearing where scores testified on the need for more, not less public transit service in Nassau County.

"We intend to work hard to ensure a strong and increased level of state support for LI Bus this year," the letter states. "An increased state role will be far more likely, however, if state legislators and Governor Pataki see evidence of a serious County commitment to Long Island Bus." The letter was submitted into the record at a recent Nassau County budget hearing, as well as mailed to the entire county legislature.