ms. lipscomb. >> thank you. i am here to speak in favor of free muni passes for youth. i am a member of the executive board of senior action network. yesterday in preparing for these hearings, i spoke with our public safety staff person. he said he hoped the years i was not true regarding mta's alleged statement that if fares for use were free, then senior fares would have to be increased. the mta officials are scheduled for the membership meeting this coming thursday, and we will raise this issue with them. this is called a divide and conquer strategy. senior support free fares for youth, who can wake up and not worry about how they can get the fair to go to school. family should not have to choose between buying food and paying for muni. we all know about the increase in poverty across the nation. especially in families of color. generally the money is not conducive to study, learning, or happiness. the problems of the transit police harassing you and demanding proof of payment must end. imagine the humiliation and embarrassment of this. i am sure that it has led to m

ms. lipscomb. >> thank you. i am here to speak in favor of free muni passes for youth. i am a member of the executive board of senior action network. yesterday in preparing for these hearings, i spoke with our public safety staff person. he said he hoped the years i was not true regarding mta's alleged statement that if fares for use were free, then senior fares would have to be increased. the mta officials are scheduled for the membership meeting this coming thursday, and we will raise this issue with them. this is called a divide and conquer strategy.