Assemblyman Ed Ra (21st Assembly District) today joined Governor Andrew Cuomo and fellow Long Island lawmakers in West Hempstead for the signing of legislation to repeal and reduce the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) payroll tax. Ra noted that this legislation is expected to cut taxes for more than 700,000 small businesses and self-employed New Yorkers, as well as exempt an additional 415,000 taxpayers by expanding the self-employment-income tax rule.

“Today signals a victory for thousands of taxpayers and small businesses in our community,” said Ra. “The reduction of this unfair tax has been a top priority since I was elected. Our community has lost residents and jobs because of this tax, and today was a first step to reverse this trend without compromising the services the MTA provides.

“I have spent months speaking with residents and small-business owners about their concerns. They would regularly ask me when Albany will finally get on the side of small businesses and reform this unfair tax. Today, these local businesses can rest easy knowing that they will now be able to put more money toward investment, expansion and hiring. I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to lower taxes and developing a more vibrant private sector.”

Ra added that this legislation also will eliminate the MTA payroll tax on public, parochial and private schools.