Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) is demanding a full forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) following alarming reports of financial waste, fraud and mismanagement. Standing with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) and Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), DeStefano is backing legislation (A.6088) that would require an independent audit of the agency to root out inefficiencies and hold officials accountable.

“Long Islanders are sick and tired of the MTA’s excuses and mismanagement,” said DeStefano. “We’re talking about billions in uncollected tolls, fabricated inspection reports, and rampant overtime abuse. The public deserves answers, and we need to put a stop to this financial disaster before taxpayers are forced to pay even more for its failures.”

The MTA, which serves millions of New Yorkers, has long struggled with budget deficits and operational inefficiencies, often relying on additional state and taxpayer funding to stay afloat. DeStefano emphasized that before asking taxpayers to foot more of the bill, the state must ensure the MTA is properly managing its existing resources.

“People are paying more for less service, and that’s unacceptable,” DeStefano continued. “A forensic audit will expose the waste, fraud, and abuse that have been ignored for too long. It’s time for real oversight, and it’s time for change.”

DeStefano and his Minority colleagues gathered today at the New York State Capitol’s Million Dollar Staircase to demand immediate action.

“Enough is enough,” DeStefano concluded. “New Yorkers work hard for their money, and they deserve an MTA that works for them—not an agency that throws money away without consequences.”