Nassau's county executive has proposed slashing $3.8 million from the county's bus service to help fill a $36 million budget hole.

Republicans in the county Legislature say they hope they will not have to make the cuts, and Democrats say they believe there are other ways to fill the budget gaps.

"Things can change between now and March," said Normal Gonsalves, the Legislature's presiding officer. "We're hoping that we will find the resources so that the bus routes will not be eliminated or cut."

Riders in Mineola told News 12 they hope the cuts don't affect service, but NICE's chief executive, Michael Setzer, says the bus agency is already exploring contingency plans because the cuts would follow another $3 million reduction imposed last year.

Transit advocates say this new plan makes it clear that lawmakers are out of touch with the needs of Long Islanders.

The county must make cuts or create new sources of revenue under the direction of the county's fiscal watchdog, NIFA, by the board's next meeting on Dec. 14.