OU criticizes MTA bailout

Posted on May 7, 2009 In Press Releases

ORTHODOX UNION CRITICIZES PAYROLL TAX ON NONPROFITS TO FUND MTA BAILOUT
Criticizes “wrong choice at the wrong time”

The Orthodox Union (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, today criticized the NYS Legislature for including, as part of the bailout of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) a gross payroll tax on all businesses, including non-profits, in the MTA service area (New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley).

A broad range of non-profit advocates, including New York’s hospitals and health care associations, religious groups and others opposed the tax, especially in light of the Legislature agreeing to hold harmless public school districts from the tax.

Howie Beigelman, OU Deputy Director of Public Policy stated:

“At a time when non-profits are being asked to serve more people in crisis – with less funding than ever, this tax is more than unfair. It is the wrong choice at the wrong time. We urge legislators and the Governor to find a better way.”

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