East Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Anil Beephan Jr. of East Fishkill has expressed firm opposition to any proposal that increases taxes on New Yorkers for the purpose of funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Beephan is advocating for the MTA to first engage in a comprehensive internal review to address inefficiencies and consider cost-cutting options before requesting additional funding. He is also calling for an independent audit to ensure transparency and accountability within the agency.

“It is unacceptable that the MTA continuously looks to taxpayers as its personal piggy bank instead of addressing its own fiscal mismanagement. Albany’s knee-jerk reaction to financial shortfalls is always to raise taxes, and New Yorkers are paying the price—literally,” Beephan stated, adding that the current climate of inflation and rising costs makes this an inopportune time to impose further financial burdens on citizens.

Beephan suggests that the MTA should first assess its operations and eliminate unnecessary expenses while demonstrating responsible management of current funds. “For too long, the MTA has operated with little accountability while asking for more and more from taxpayers. This cycle has to end,” he said. He insists that before any further public funds are requested, an independent audit is necessary, asserting that New Yorkers deserve transparency and responsible financial management from their government.