“This initial ruling is a big victory for Suffolk County taxpayers, many of whom get little to no service from the MTA. Since 2009, Suffolk County has paid an estimated $12.5 million as a result of the MTA payroll tax and local businesses have paid tens of millions more. There is still an opportunity for an appeal to be heard by the New York State Appellate Division. I am cautiously optimistic regarding the outcome of the appeal but if found unconstitutional, this ruling would save Suffolk County taxpayers approximately $3.5 million per year.”