Maher opposes governor’s $1.3 billion MTA bailout

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Brian Maher

ALBANY – Assemblyman Brian Maher (R, Walden) has announced his opposition to Governor Hochul’s $1.3 billion bailout for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority which would increase the agency’s tax on Hudson Valley counties.

The governor is proposing an increase to the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax from 0.34 percent to 0.5 percent, which is more than $800 million in increased taxes.

Maher said that could impact nearly 20,600 companies throughout the MTA service region in the Hudson Valley and Long Island.

“I understand that the MTA is struggling; however, upstate New York cannot keep bailing it out, especially to the tune of $1.3 billion,” the freshman lawmaker said. “Our small businesses are the lifeline of our communities. New York should be providing fewer restrictions rather than heaping on more taxes. Every dollar that goes to the MTA is a dollar taken from our small businesses which limits their ability to sponsor our local little leagues, scouts, and other service organizations,” Maher said.

The MTA operates the Metro-North Commuter Railroad system on both sides of the Hudson River.

Maher is as member of the Republican minority and his opposition may be symbolic, as the State Legislature is overwhelmingly Democrat with a large contingent of New York City members, meaning the increased tax is likely to be approved.




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