New York State's Proposed Payroll Tax For Public Transit Could Be A Hard Sell

Azi of the Politicker had some video put up this weekend of a press conference earlier this with Governor David Paterson, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Richard Ravitch on a study of the MTA's finances.

Amid the proposed Executive Budget for New York State and the region's economic woes, the proposals of the Ravitch Report have not been getting much attention.

The Journal News had the perspective of the outer suburbs on a proposed 33 cents on every $100 payroll tax for employers.

What lawmaker will dare propose a new tax on commutation?

This is not going over too well, with anyone.

It would raise $1.5 billion a year, while fares on subways, buses and sububan trains would still rise.

"At first, it would be used to keep down fare increases, which otherwise could rise as high as 29 percent on most Metro-North rides while a subway fare could increase to $3 from $2. With measures such as the payroll tax and new tolls on the four free East River bridges, the fare increases would be about 8 percent, Ravitch's commission projected."

The Brooklyn Eagle reported on the Straphangers Campaign supporting the proposal of the Ravitch Report, including the concept of a regional bus authority stretching into the suburbs.

Ravitch suggested that such a regional authority could take over the costs of busing in the counties surrounding New York City.

Here is the full report made by Richard Ravitch to New York State Governor David Paterson.

Comments

[Felix Procacci]

You politicians, tell the MTA and other state employees to pay for their own retirement plans like I do. Why are you increasing taxes just because you are to scared to say no when those unions ask for a raise. If you feel they deserve more money, pay for their increased benefits out of your own pay checks, NOT MINE!