State Senator Dean Murray, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and other elected officials gathered at the Perry B. Duryea building in Hauppauge on Dec. 11th to request an independent group take over the run-amuck finances of the MTA.
In 2025, Murray will introduce new legislation: a fiscal “checks and balances” proposal for the aforementioned organization. “For far too long, the MTA has been mismanaged,” according to the Senator. “There’s been fraud, waste, and abuse”—including losses of $150 million in 2017, $290 million in 2018, $525 million in 2019, and over $750 million last year.
“That is money the MTA should have in their hands… they watched and did nothing as they jumped over turnstiles and drove through their tolls without paying,” Murray added. “How can you, in one hand, watch that money disappear, and in the other, ask for more money?”
When he took to the podium last Wednesday, Romaine likened the MTA's conundrum to the famous “Oliver Twist” line: “Please Sir, may I have some more?”
After the well-earned chuckles, some most serious matters were subsequently, and repeatedly made clear: the demand for oversight and accountability. Enhanced safety. The unburdening of taxpayers. And less overtime as a virtue.
Should the legislation go through, an amendment to the Public Authorities Law will be in order. A five-member financial control board for the MTA would be created. All appointees would be recommended by the majority and minority leaders of the State Senate and Assembly.
The Governor would have final approval and authority, as a designated chairperson. Key provisions include: Unanimous Board Decisions, Project Oversight, Comptroller Involvement, Contract Compliance, and Accountability Measures.
Per Murray’s vision for the board, they strive to “clean up the MTA’s fiscal mess in a way that will protect taxpayers from unfair and unaffordable funding schemes.”
“It’s time to ensure the MTA becomes the reliable, efficient transit system that New Yorkers deserve,” he said.
Calling Murray’s proposal “much-needed legislation,” Comptroller Kennedy lambasts the MTA’s board as "either incapable or unwilling to take the firm action necessary to ‘stop the bleeding.’”
Meanwhile, those tasked to serve the community on the local front are, as abundantly evidenced, more than ready to take said action.
“It’s time to put people in place who will make the hard decision and support the hard-working men and women who make the sacrifices for us,” Kennedy added.
Additional representatives who were unable to attend weighed in with their support as well.
Senator Anthony Palumbo believes the Authority failed to adapt amidst the advent of infrastructure-impeding “congestion pricing.” “Pouring additional tax dollars into the MTA is not a solution,” he said.
“Year on year we see unbridled increases in both MTA fares, and MTA-related taxation. While a critical backbone of New York's infrastructure, the MTA must exist within a fiscally sound environment, rather than one of limitless spending and limited responsibility,” said Assemblywoman Jodie Giglio.
“This legislation will restore taxpayers' confidence while providing fiscal control over an agency that spends billions transporting millions, and give New Yorkers the world-class transit system they deserve,” she added.
Ricardo Sanchez, General Chairman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 589), agrees with the leaders' sentiments—blaming labor for mismanagement is a fool’s errand.
“We welcome an independent set of eyes to hold all parties accountable,” Sanchez said. “Labor can be a part of the solution when it has a willing partner.”