Citing the need to cut taxes and fees and make New York state more business-friendly, Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua) voted yesterday against the proposed Assembly budget bill that would increase taxes and fees by over $700 million and provide no relief to local property taxpayers.

“The budget resolution proposed by downstate Assembly majority members continues the failed policy of increasing taxes and fees on overburdened New Yorkers,” said Mr. Goodell. “For example, the budget proposal would add a new four percent tax on the cost of all live births in a hospital, increase taxes on all hospital admissions, impose a new tax on all radiology outpatient services, and increase personal income taxes by an estimated $4.4 billion over the next two years.”

“With these new taxes and fees, New York state would essentially tax people from birth to death. This budget proposal would increase taxes on New Yorkers from cradle to grave,” said Mr. Goodell.

“Particularly frustrating is the complete lack of any relief from local property taxes. Instead of helping local governments cut property taxes, the proposed budget would cut State aid to schools and local governments. There is no mandate relief, no reduction in the local cost of Medicaid (which is the most expensive in the nation), no reduction in the cost of health insurance, and no pension reform,” said Mr. Goodell.

During floor debate on the bill, Mr. Goodell questioned the chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and voiced his strong opposition to the proposed budget.

“We can and must do better,” said Mr. Goodell. “We need to cut taxes and fees to make New York state more business-friendly. The future of this state depends on private-sector job growth, not more taxes. Our state must become more business-competitive. Imposing higher state taxes and neglecting the desperate need to cut local property taxes sends the wrong message.”

Mr. Goodell did note his support for the restoration of funds for the integrated pest management program, the Wine and Grape Foundation, Future Farmers of America, and schools for the deaf and blind, but noted that these funding restorations could be paid for by reducing inappropriate expenditures. For example, Mr. Goodell supported eliminating the proposed $15.7 million taxpayer subsidy for the state-owned Belleayre Ski Resort.

“Although I love to ski, state taxpayers should not be subsidizing a ski resort. Instead, the state should sell this ski resort, eliminate the taxpayer subsidy and reduce spending,” said Assemblyman Goodell. “In this and other areas, I will continue to fight taxes and spending.”