The court’s decision to keep the MTA payroll tax in place is a disappointing blow to Hudson Valley families and businesses. The high cost of doing business in this part of the state is driving businesses away, when what we really need to do is create jobs. I’m calling on legislators in Albany to repeal the payroll tax once and for all.

The MTA payroll tax affects more than 700,000 small businesses and the self-employed. Taxing businesses is not the answer when the MTA consistently runs on a deficit. 

In 2010 the MTA had over $31 billion in debt, and payments on the debt are in the billions each year. There needs to be deep systemic changes in the way the MTA operates and financed. The real issue,is how can the MTA get on solid financial footing so that we do not have these quick fix tax scenarios every few years? To let the MTA limp along while treating the symptoms and ignoring the underlying causes is just pushing the problems down the road. 

To shift the MTA's fiscal problems onto businesses is unfair, bad for business and ultimately bad for New York.  It is time to end the MTA tax.

I have very simple, common sense ideas for real tax relief.

When Albany has a good idea, Albany should pay for it.  For too long our elected officials have gone up to Albany and 'pushed down' legislation onto our schools, towns and counties.  If any new legislation comes down from Albany, it should be fully funded so our local taxes don't increase.

I also am proposing tax credits for businesses that hire employees because the private sector is the engine that runs the economy. Government's role should be to encourage job growth and help businesses bet on themselves.  This proposal offsets the risk that businesses worry about when they expand their workforce with a 15% state tax credit when they hire new employees.  If a business increases its workforce, each new employee's salary would be eligible for this tax credit.  For example, if a business creates a new job with a salary of $25,000, that business would be eligible for a $3,750 tax credit. This proposal creates a measurable way to create jobs and offer tax relief to entrepreneurs.

Why provide a tax credit?  Because every new job is a economic stimulator. Each new employee spends money in the local economy. Creating jobs has a multiplier effect as the money that employees spend works it's way through the economy. 

My campaign is focused on tax relief, jobs and economic growth. These aren't empty words. Our middle class families need help, not rhetoric.  I have a plan of action, and I will work to make this a reality.