Saying it's "time to take a stand," Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino today announced plans to introduce legislation challenging the legality of the Metropolitan Transit Authority's payroll tax. The announcement was made in Ossining at the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Hudson Hills Golf Course.

In July,Nassau County  filed a lawsuit against the state of New York questioning the constitutionality of the tax. Astorino says Westchester is also questioning the constitutionality of the measure. Said Astorino, "We believe it impinges on home rule. The State Legislature did not pass this tax with the two-thirds majority required. It is not a statewide tax, but rather hones in on specific people."

The County Executive promised Westchester "Will do everything it can to see to it that a judge overturns this very devastating tax to small businesses."

Astorino says the move won't cost taxpayers any money and that it will be handled in-house with the County attorney.

According to the County Executive,  the measure has bi-partisan support and he's hopeful it will be approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Putnam County recently enacted legislation to join the lawsuit, as have several municipalities in Orange County. Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef says his county is looking into the possibility of withdrawing from the MTA.