Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is rejecting Gov. Hochul’s $1.3 billion bailout for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that relies on taxing the Hudson Valley. The governor is proposing an increase to the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT) from 0.34 percent to 0.5 percent, which is more than $800 million in increased taxes. This 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,” said Maher. “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.”