Assemblyman Ed Ra (left) joined Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Superintendent of West Hempstead Schools John Hogan on Monday, December 12, 2011, for the signing of legislation to repeal and reduce the MTA payroll tax on thousands of Long Islanders.
“Today signals a victory for thousands of taxpayers and small businesses in our community,” said Ra. “The reduction of this unfair tax has been a top priority since I was elected. Our community has lost residents and jobs because of this tax, and today was a first step to reverse this trend without compromising the services the MTA provides.
“I have spent months speaking with residents and small-business owners about their concerns. They would regularly ask me when Albany will finally get on the side of small businesses and reform this unfair tax. Today, these local businesses can rest easy knowing that they will now be able to put more money toward investment, expansion and hiring. I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to lower taxes and developing a more vibrant private sector.”
Ra added that this legislation also will eliminate the MTA payroll tax on public, parochial and private schools.