Long Island pays more in taxes to the state of NY than it receives in returns. Of the 8 billion dollars payed, only 5 billion is returned in benefits. Basically, Long Island is the ATM of Albany. As its own state, Long Island would be ranked number 1 for population density. Having Long Island as its own state will increase the standard of living for Long Islanders, as well as lowering taxes. Long Islanders consistently pay a higher tax rate than other areas of New York. This would also create jobs and balance the local economy.
Suffolk County Comptroller Joseph Sawicki Jr. has been attempting to vocalize this view for years and has been effectively ignored on the state level. The aim of the petition is to give voice to this idea and encourage support.