Long Islanders continued to take a pounding from Albany this week as businesses, charities, private schools and even our local governments scrambled to gather the necessary funds to pay their first installment of the MTA Payroll Tax, which was due on November 2nd.

“It’s an outrage that taxpayers are expected to carry this heavy burden on their backs in order to bailout the MTA,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (6th District). “It’s especially crucial during this tough economic climate that we seek to create jobs and achieve new ways to increase taxpayer savings, but what does Albany do instead? It levies another tax that will force businesses and non-profits to eliminate jobs and take more money out of the hands of hard working New Yorkers,” continued Senator Hannon.

The MTA Payroll Tax, passed by Governor Paterson and the Democrat Leaders in Albany, will cost over $1.5 billion in new taxes this year alone, with most of this money coming from cash strapped businesses, not-for-profit groups and beleaguered property tax payers.

“This tax impacts every single Long Islander,” said Senator Hannon. “Simply put, this tax is impractical and unjust.”

It is estimated that the average family on Long Island will pay an additional $272 per year in new taxes to cover the cost of this ill-conceived bail out. This is in addition to the numerous other tax and fee hikes that Albany passed last year.

“I opposed this bailout for the MTA when it was proposed,” said Senator Hannon. “Albany must repeal this ill-conceived tax, as Long Islanders cannot afford it and should not have to pay for the MTA’s mismanagement of funds.”