Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R, C, I – Merrick) today came out against a plan proposed by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., which would raise vehicle registration fees by $100 for “lighter vehicles” and by $400 for “heavier vehicles.” Thompson also proposed reinstituting the commuter tax for those traveling to and from New York City. The two proposals would hit Nassau County families the hardest during a time when the economy is taking a turn for the worse for those same families.

“As the ranking minority member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I cannot begin to express how deeply concerned I am that these ideas have even been proposed during this economic time,” said Assemblyman McDonough. “Just as I have supported and called for the state to continue providing necessary services while taking in less revenue at a time when families throughout New York are forced to do the same, the MTA must also learn to live within its means and not expect car owners to subsidize their lack of oversight and gross negligence when it comes to their budget.”

According to the Comptroller’s plan, which would be phased in over a number of years, the increase in vehicle registration fees would generate $1 billion for the MTA and the commuter tax would bring in over $700 million in revenues. In a statement, Thompson said, “Once again, the MTA is looking to New Yorkers to cover its budget shortfalls while simultaneously cutting services and delaying key projects."

McDonough countered Thompson by saying, “I think the MTA should first look to see that their own house is in order before looking to the hardworking and overtaxed families of Nassau County for support.”