New York State Business Leaders Endorse MTA Tax Repeal Legislation

National Federation of Independent Businesses

The Business Council of New York State, Inc. 

Albany, NY- Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I –Shirley), Senator Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and Assemblyman George Latimer (D- Rye) today announced that the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and the Business Council of New York State, Inc. have endorsed their MTA Payroll Tax Repeal legislation (S.5596/A.8193). 

NFIB released the following statement: 

“The MTA payroll tax is the epitome of New York's continuous disconnect with small business owners and taxpayers. This onerous tax on small business owners in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District has had a disastrous effect, stifling job creation and forcing existing businesses to bear a burden born from irresponsible spending by the state and the MTA,” said New York State NFIB Director Mike Durant. “Senator Zeldin has been steadfast in his fight to get this tax repealed and bring relief to small business owners. He, Senator Martins and the rest of the Senate Majority should be applauded for this necessary action. The National Federation of Independent Business now urges swift action in the Senate and Assembly in getting this legislation passed and continuing the momentum to once again open New York for business” 

The Business Council of New York State, Inc. released the following statement: 

“Legislation to repeal the ill-conceived jobs tax that supports the MTA is welcome and should be supported,” said Heather Briccetti, acting-president & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “The businesses in the MTA region need tax relief to grow and add jobs. This year’s state budget sent the right message to business. Now the legislature can keep the positive momentum going by repealing the MTA payroll tax.” 

The Business Council supports Senators Lee M. Zeldin and Jack Martins for introducing this important piece of legislation. 

“Businesses in the region tell us this is an onerous tax. It discourages small businesses from hiring and it encourages larger business to grow outside the region,” added Briccetti. 

“I am excited that NFIB and The Business Council of New York State have signed on and endorsed our MTA Payroll Tax repeal legislation. It is important that we eliminate this job- killing tax as soon as possible. I am working very hard to bring a broad bi-partisan coalition together to fight for this tax repeal legislation,” said Senator Zeldin.

“This tax creates a hardship on our businesses that is simply unfair. Eliminating the payroll tax is another measure we can take to help our local businesses and get our economy moving in the right direction. In this recession, all of us, from individuals and families, through businesses, school districts and local governments, have learned to do more with less. I see no reason why the MTA cannot be expected do the same,” said Senator Martins.

“Suburban commuters and suburban taxpayers are paying for Metro North services through train fares, a percentage of sales tax revenue, and now through city/towns/village property taxes by means of the MTA payroll tax. We need to restructure how much suburbanites are being forced to pay- and then make sure they get full value for their hard-earned dollars,” said Assemblyman George Latimer (D-Rye).