Legislator Ferretti urges audit of MTA finances
enti said at the news conference. “I’ve come here today to respectfully ask the people in power to figure out a better way to fund this project, because currently, the people that they’re asking to fund these projects daily, to drive the bus on these projects, they’re running on fumes.”
According to the state’s website, businesses are expected to pay the tax if the total sum of their payroll expense is more than $312,500 for any calendar quarter. For Nassau County, the rate begins at 0.11 percent and maxes out at 0.34 percent if a company’s payroll expense exceeds $437,500.
According to Hochul, the adjustment to the mobility tax would “protect small businesses while ensuring large corporations contribute their share.” She said small businesses would see their tax burdens cut in half, while larger companies making more than $10 million in payroll would face “small increases.”
According to reports, the tax increase could affect between 5,000 and 10,000 businesses statewide.
The five-year capital plan, according to Hochul, will focus on repairs and upgrades throughout the state’s subway systems, including the construction of the Interborough Express, a transit project that will connect underserved areas of Brooklyn and Queens. She added that the plan would also crack down on fare evasion.
Hochul said the plan would also be funded by redirecting $1.2 billion from Penn Station, requiring greater fiscal discipline from the MTA, and having the agency contribute $3 billion — matching the contributions from both the city and the state.
“For New York City to thrive, our mass transit system must be safe, strong and reliable,” she said, “and we are delivering a State Budget that supports these goals.”
However, Ferretti described the tax as a “penalty on employment” that, combined with policies like congestion pricing, could drive jobs, investment and families out of New York. He urged Hochul and state legislators to reject the payroll tax and called on the governor to authorize an audit of the MTA.
“This tax hike is nothing more than a bailout for a failing agency that is accountable to no one with no
incentive to change,” he said.
Valenti expressed concern about the potential impact the tax increase could have on Long Island’s workforce and small businesses.
“There’s less people on Long Island right now, and I know that projects like this, they don’t understand how many people are going to lose their jobs,” Valenti said. “They don’t understand how many businesses are going to close.”
‘Touch-a-Truck’ fuels volunteer recruiting
By JORDAN VALLONE
jvallone@liherald.com
Over the weekend, Nassau County’s Sixth Battalion welcomed families and future first responders alike at its third annual “Touch-a-Truck” event — a lively recruitment and community awareness initiative held oat East Meadow High School.
The Sixth Battalion includes 10 volunteer fire departments — Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Massapequa, North Merrick, Seaford, and Wantagh — and is supported by the Bellmore-Merrick and Wantagh-Levittown volunteer ambulance corps.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the school’s grounds were transformed into a showcase of emergency response vehicles, fire apparatus, and interactive displays. The event was part of the statewide RecruitNY Weekend, an effort by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York to address the pressing need for more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel across the state.
Hundreds of attendees, including prospective recruits, families with young children, and longtime supporters of the volunteer fire service, had the opportunity to engage with the equipment and speak one-onone with current volunteers about what it takes to serve. Children eagerly climbed aboard fire trucks and ambulances, tried on gear, and met local heroes — giving the event both a festive and educational atmosphere.
“Recruitment and retention are critical to the future of the volunteer fire service,” said Chief Matt Giudice of the Levittown Fire Department, who also serves as chairperson of the Sixth Battalion. “By working together as a battalion, we amplify our outreach and strengthen the pipeline of dedicated individuals ready
departments from across the Sixth Battalion in
recruitment efforts. the event has held at east
to serve their communities. ‘Touch-a-Truck’ is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.”
In addition to raising awareness about the need for more volunteers, the event served as a platform to highlight the benefits available to those who serve. These include property-tax exemptions, state income-tax credits, scholarships for Nassau Community College students, free training and health checkups, and a length-of-service award program offering monthly stipends based on years of service.
School.
Organizers emphasized that beyond these incentives, the true reward lies in the service itself. Many volunteers use their training as a springboard into professional careers in firefighting, emergency medical services, and law enforcement.
Saturday’s event was a celebration of community, service, and the next generation of emergency responders — one that left an impression on visitors of all ages and reinforced the vital role volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel play in keeping Nassau County safe.
Charles Shaw/Herald
tom Valenti, owner of piccolo ristorante in Bellmore, speaks out against the proposed mta payroll tax hike during a news conference at the Wantagh Long island rail road station last thursday.
Mike Monahan/Herald photos
nassau County attended a ‘touch-a-truck’ event as part of
meadow High
