Previously, I wrote to inform your readers about my opposition to the MTA's proposed payroll tax, which would require all Long Island employers to pay a one-third of one percent tax on all employee wages. However, what has been overlooked by some is the fact that this would impose a costly mandate on local school districts, which would also be required to pay this payroll tax.

This proposed payroll tax would cost Nassau County school districts approximately $11.6 million and Suffolk County school districts approximately $12.8 million. When combined, that adds up to an unfunded mandate of over $24.4 million that local taxpayers would be forced to pay.

With over 87,000 Long Islanders currently unemployed because of the current economy, this payroll tax is simply a bad idea for Long Island families and businesses.

I urge local residents to write to Governor Paterson at the State Capitol, Albany, New York 12224 and let him know how that this proposal is harmful for Long Island. Residents can also express their opposition to this proposed tax increase by visiting my website, www.senatorfuschillo.com, and signing my online petition.

Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.