Senator Kevin Parker Statement on Governor Paterson’s Proposal to Increase the Mta Tax on New York City

SENATOR KEVIN PARKER STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR PATERSON’S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE MTA TAX ON NEW YORK CITY

 “Today, Governor David Paterson proposed amendments to the 2010-2011 Executive Budget that increase the impact of the MTA tax on New York City residents. Paterson plans to cut the amount of tax under suburban beneficiaries of the MTA pay, while raising the amount paid by New York City riders  is turning an unpleasant, but necessary and fair tax, into one that disproportionately harms New York City businesses and working families.”

“In his State of the State address, Governor Paterson pledged not to increase taxes, however, in just 21 days since he introduced his Executive Budget, the Governor has created this new and unfair MTA tax increase, and he has also put forward a massive new utility tax that I am also opposing.”

“Despite its continual problems with its finances, and its continual trips to Albany with its hand out for bailouts, the MTA’s payroll and staff have increased dramatically over the past five years. In the MTA Capital Construction unit, for example, staffing has increased almost 400% between 2004 and 2009 (from 39 to 151), and the payroll has increased by $10.6 million, as was noted in a recent story in The New York Post.”

“I call upon the Governor today to renounce his tax increases and work with the MTA to reduce its enormous payroll, and to break it of its habit of uncontrolled spending.”

 “Despite the Governor’s addiction to new taxes, I and my colleagues will stand firm for New Yorkers and New York’s business communities, and against the Governor’s taxes.”

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