Castelli Calls For Repeal Of MTA Payroll Tax

At a press conference held last week, New York State Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R, C – Goldens Bridge), who represents both Pound Ridge and Lewisboro, urged the Assembly to pass legislation that would repeal the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) payroll tax.

A companion bill passed the state Senate last week, leaving it up to the Assembly to eliminate what Castelli called a “job-killing tax.”

The bill, sponsored by Castelli, would begin to phase out the tax beginning in 2012 by first exempting small businesses of 25 employees or fewer, as well as public and non-public schools. The tax would be completely eliminated by January 1, 2014 for the seven suburban counties outside of New York City within the MTA’s service region.

“The elimination of the job-killing MTA payroll tax will be a boost for our region economically by helping to create jobs and would alleviate a tremendous strain on our schools, nonprofits, and small businesses,” Castelli said at the June 22 press conference. “Repealing the payroll tax is also the first step in reforming this public authority, as it will force the MTA to reevaluate how it spends taxpayer dollars.”

Castelli said it was important for lawmakers to work with the MTA to ensure that Westchester County residents and residents throughout the Hudson Valley have access to efficient public transportation options at affordable rates.

“To achieve this goal, we must work to reform the MTA to best utilize taxpayer dollars and make the smart investments necessary to ensure that New York State will remain a leader in clean and reliable mass transportation,” he said.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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