The MTA should not get another penny from its unpopular payroll tax until it shows it truly needs that money, Republican lawmakers said Monday.

Assemb. Michael Montesano (R-Glen Head) gathered with other GOP legislators and called on Gov. David A. Paterson to impound further payments to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from the state Payroll Mobility Tax until the MTA submits to a thorough forensic audit of its finances.

The tax, which charges employers in the 12 counties served by the MTA 34 cents for every $100 of payroll, is expected to bring in about $1.2 billion to the MTA this year.

Montesano said the MTA wouldn't need that money if it kept its house in order.

"It's just easier for them to go to the taxpayer and to the State Legislature and just ask for more money," said Montesano at a news conference at the Hicksville Long Island Rail Road station. "And if you don't give it to them, there's the threat of more service cuts."

Earlier this year, the MTA approved widespread service cuts to help fill a budget hole of $900 million. Starting next month, the LIRR will discontinue weekend service to Greenport and West Hempstead, and shift from half-hourly to hourly off-peak service on the Port Washington line.

Last week, the MTA announced plans to increase fare revenue by 7.5 percent and to eliminate all funding for Long Island Bus.

Assemb. Dean Murray (R-Patchogue) said a forensic audit is necessary given the MTA's "mismanagement," which he said had led to the agency's going from large budget surpluses just four years ago to its current dire situation.

"We want every paper clip, every pencil. We want to know every expense of the MTA and its subsidiaries," Murray said. "Before you turn to the taxpayers to bail you out, you should look where you could save money."

In a statement, spokesman Kevin Ortiz said the MTA "welcomes" a forensic audit and added that the agency is already audited by several government agencies.

"At the same time, this current administration has undertaken the most aggressive cost-cutting initiative in the history of the MTA, leading to more than $700 million in recurring annual cost savings," Ortiz said.

Montesano announced he had co-sponsored an Assembly bill to create an independent fiscal control board to oversee the MTA's operating budget, including approving all contracts of more than $100,000.

Latest on MSG, Altice dispute ... Suffolk ends Midway Crossing plan ... Fitness Fix: Pulse Body Fitness Credit: Newsday

Updated 13 minutes ago Raging boat fire in Port Washington ... Latest on MSG, Altice dispute ... Trump's executive order on DEI ... Fitness Fix: Pulse Body Fitness

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME