Time is running out for Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Assembly to finalize the state budget before the deadline this Saturday, April 1.
Orange County Sen. James Skoufis just advanced two key provisions in the Senate's budget proposal to counter the governor's proposal to increase the payroll mobility tax to help fund transit.
Skoufis is also seeking an exemption for Orange County drivers from several DMV fees, which he says are also diverted to the MTA.
Meanwhile, Orange County Assemblyman Brian Maher has rejected a proposal that would introduce a streaming tax in New York, also to help transit.
The tax would impact streaming services, audiobooks, apps, games, podcasts, satellite radio and other digitally delivered services.
The proposed tax, if enacted, would collect $382 million from New Yorkers over three years. This is not included in the budget proposal.