Suffolk Reporter

New York State Senator Dean Murray has announced his intention to introduce legislation in 2025 to establish a Financial Control Board for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This move aims to stabilize the MTA's finances, which have been plagued by issues of mismanagement and inefficiency. The announcement was made with support from colleagues in the NYS Senate and Assembly, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, and union leaders.

Senator Murray stated, "Year after year we see the MTA come to the state, hat in hand, claiming that if we don’t find more money for them, we will face a transportation nightmare… All the while, that same MTA is losing hundreds of millions of dollars a year through waste, fraud and mismanagement. Enough is enough!" He emphasized the need for oversight to protect taxpayers from funding schemes like congestion pricing.

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick echoed these concerns: "The MTA continues to frustrate hardworking New Yorkers who rely on it daily. Mismanagement, out-of-control costs, and a lack of transparency have eroded public trust." She called for an independent audit of the agency.

Senator Anthony Palumbo highlighted that despite increased budgets and new taxes like congestion pricing, "The MTA is failing to meet its obligations to Long Island residents and commuters."

"The MTA faces a dire fiscal crisis," added Senator Alexis Weik. She believes establishing a Fiscal Control Board will ensure balanced budgets and reforms.

Assemblyman Keith Brown expressed frustration with current management practices at the MTA: “Rather than taxing New Yorkers more with a Congestion Price, how about making the MTA get its fiscal house in order."

Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio noted ongoing fare increases: “While a critical backbone of New York's infrastructure... this legislation will restore taxpayers' confidence."

Support also came from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine: “Taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are being spent,” while Comptroller John Kennedy remarked on the necessity for firm fiscal oversight.

Union representatives such as Ricardo Sanchez from IBEW 589 supported independent oversight: "Instead of blaming labor for its mismanagement... Labor can be part of the solution." Michael Sullivan from BRS Local 56 shared similar sentiments regarding accountability measures.

The proposed board would require unanimous decisions and have authority over project financing. It would honor existing contracts but participate in negotiations for new ones. The Governor could remove any member acting beyond legal bounds.

This legislative effort mirrors previous state interventions during financial crises within other entities like city governments or school districts. Proponents believe this approach will ensure long-term stability while maintaining essential services provided by the MTA.