Negotiations on an MTA bailout — one that would only lessen, not prevent, fare increases and service cuts — hit a major snag last night as some suburban senators refused to support a region-wide payroll tax. This comes after a few outer-borough senators had earlier blocked a proposal to put tolls on the Harlem and East River bridges. “It’s not dead but it’s definitely not in good shape,” said a person involved in the talks. “I think we’re nowhere.” Wasn't Governor Paterson supposed to have some kind of slush fund to buy these votes? Can he please get on with that? [NYT]