Speaking out against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bailout plan being pushed by the governor and legislative leaders, Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I – Merrick) released the following statement:

“During my time in the legislature, I have never been as ashamed of the legislative process as I have during the past month. First, a budget negotiated in total secrecy, which raised spending and taxes New Yorkers more. Now, we are forced to vote on a MTA bailout plan, negotiated in secret as well, which raises payroll taxes in Nassau County by .34% and increases ticket prices on the Long Island Rail Road by 10% as well.

“When Nassau County residents are already hurting financially, it is unacceptable to impose a payroll tax on businesses, a $25 increase in vehicle registration fees and an increase in driver’s license fees, in addition to those same fees already increasing by 25 percent this year in accordance with the 2009-10 Executive Budget. It is unconscionable that this bailout was passed without an audit by the Comptroller or input from members of the legislature and the communities they represent.

“My Assembly minority colleagues and I stood against this plan and said ‘no’ on behalf of the millions of people now forced to dig further into their pockets just to get to work and make a living to provide for their families.”