East Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Anil Beephan, representing East Fishkill, joined other Minority assembly members to advocate for a bill requiring the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to undergo an independent forensic audit. The proposal seeks a thorough examination of the MTA's operations and financial health by contracting a certified public accounting firm. This move follows budget deficits within the MTA and Beephan's efforts to alleviate congestion pricing fees for essential workers.

Beephan emphasized the financial burden on Dutchess County residents, stating, "Every single day, Dutchess County residents are paying an MTA tax—whether through property taxes, purchases or even vehicle registration fees. On top of that, those who pay fares to ride the train are already contributing through their taxes. Enough is enough. It’s unfair for the MTA to keep demanding more funding at the expense of hardworking taxpayers."

The call for an audit comes after MTA Chairman Janno Lieber's recent visit to Albany, where he requested an additional $33 billion from the state in addition to anticipated budget allocations.

Beephan further stated, "This organization must be held accountable. The MTA owes New Yorkers full transparency—riders and taxpayers deserve to see exactly where their money is going." He expressed support for proposed legislation and urged the Assembly Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the MTA before any further funding discussions occur. As a committee member himself, Beephan pledged to advocate for this extensive evaluation.