HIA-LI, the Voice of Business on Long Island, Sends Formal Letter of Protest to New York State legislature Requesting its Support in the Immediate Repeal of the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT)

HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 18, 2010 – The onerous and unfair MTA payroll tax must go! HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, has sent a letter of protest to the New York State legislature requesting their full and vocal support in repealing the MTA Tax Bill. More information about HIA-LI is available at http://www.HIA-LI.org.

“HIA-LI regards the MTA Payroll Tax as unfair and detrimental to the Long Island business economy,” said Jack Kulka, Co-Chairman for the HIA-LI Government Relations Committee.

The unpopular tax, formally called the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax (MCTMT), charges 34 cents for every $100 of payroll to employers in the 12 counties served by the MTA. HIA-LI feels it is especially onerous for the many Long Island businesses whose workers do not rely on MTA transportation. The organization asked legislators to consider the negative impact of the tax on economic recovery and the determent to employment that it is placing on Long Island employers.

“In our capacity as a strong advocate for Long Island businesses, we have contacted our elected New York State representatives to protest the MTA Payroll Tax,” said Terri Alessi–Miceli, President of HIA-LI. “We ask business owners and executives to join us in writing and calling their locally elected Albany representatives and urging them to repeal this tax.”

About HIA-LI
HIA-LI helps Long Island businesses prosper. For over 30 years, we have been the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. We provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Our member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. We’re headquartered in and support one of the largest industrial parks in the United States. HIA-LI programs and events promote strategic partnerships, targeted networking, and information sharing and business advocacy. Members benefit from our committees, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities and business advisory services. For more information, visit https://www.hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Anne Strauss, Communication Strategy Group, 631-766-6810; astrauss@gocsg.com