Senator Lee Zeldin Calls on the MTA to Rescind 8% Pay Raises for Managers

Senator Lee Zeldin Calls on the MTA to Rescind 8% Pay Raises for Managers

RONKONKOMA—Today, Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley), member of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee, released the following statement in response to MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast’s approval of an eight percent pay raise for management.

"The MTA has some gall dolling out eight percent pay increases to its managers. This is one of the most bloated, top-heavy agencies in the country. They have their hands in the pockets of riders, and even non-riders, on a daily basis. Instead of working to increase the efficiency of the agency, these bureaucrats line their own pockets without missing a beat,” said Senator Zeldin.

Motivated to run for State Senate following the implementation of the job killing MTA Payroll Tax, Senator Zeldin led the successful fight in 2011 to repeal the Tax for 80% of employers.

Senator Zeldin concluded, “During my expansive research of the MTA following the $2 million dollar bailout 5 years ago, I have realized that there are countless ways for our nation’s largest mass transit system to operate more efficiently. The MTA must immediately rescind this ill-advised payout to themselves and use it towards more appropriate purposes, like cutting fares or expanding service."

MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast says that this pay raise will cost the MTA approximately $25 million a year.

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Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena (631) 585-0608 or disiena@nysenate.gov