ALBANY—State Senator Martin Malave Dilan, the chair of the chamber's transportation committee, had to think for a minute when asked just now if action to help bridge the M.T.A.'s deficit was on the back burner.
"I think the budget bill is the priority," he said, before emphasizing that negotiations are still ongoing. He said that the Senate Democrats are now focusing on non-toll ideas—including his plan to reinstate the commuter tax—to fund the M.T.A.'s capital plan.
"Some of the members will not vote for any tolls," he said. "But we continue to have discussions, and I'm confident we'll have a plan."
