Politics & Government

Fuschillo Calls for Independent Audit of the MTA

Audit will help shed more light on the state of the MTA's finances.

State Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., R-Merrick, recently voted in favor of legislation which would help make the MTA more accountable and transparent to Long Islanders by requiring it to undergo an independent forensic audit.

“Long Islanders pay a lot of money to fund the MTA. We need to make sure that those funds are being used effectively," Fuschillo said. "After being hit with numerous fare hikes and a burdensome payroll tax, Long Islanders want to know how the MTA is spending their money."

Under the legislation, the MTA would have to conduct a full independent forensic audit. The results of the audit, which would be performed by a public accounting firm, would have to be reported by Jan. 1, 2013.

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"Conducting an independent audit would help find new savings and make the MTA more accountable," said Fuschillo, who is Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee. "I am pleased the Senate has passed this legislation and hope it will also be approved by the Assembly."

The audit will help shed more light on the state of the MTA’s finances and help identify potential cost savings which could help reduce expenses.

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Long Island Rail Road riders have endured repeated fare hikes and service cuts over the last several years.

As part of the 2009 MTA bailout, which Fuschillo opposed, Long Islanders were forced to pay higher DMV fees to fund the MTA. Additionally, every Long Island employer must also pay a payroll tax to help fund the MTA.

Fuschillo strongly opposed the MTA payroll tax and recently voted in favor of repealing it.

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.


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