Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) today expressed his strong opposition to proposed legislation, Assembly bill 5118, that would impose a 5 percent tax on satellite television customers. The proposed legislation would cost State residents from $50 to $100 million a year.

“This proposal would create an unnecessary tax burden on western New York residents and is simply another money grab by downstate politicians who are out of touch with the way of life outside New York City,” said Goodell. “In Chautauqua County, we’re working hard to improve our economy and generate growth. This proposed fee would move New York State in the wrong direction.”

Currently, satellite television customers are exempt from this fee. However, cable companies in New York currently pay up to 5 percent to local governments under franchise agreements with municipalities. This fee reflects the fact that the cable companies use local telephone poles and other utilities subject to local regulation and are granted a local monopoly for their cable services.

“This fee would disproportionately affect those in rural areas like Chautauqua County. We need to reduce taxes, fees, and assessments that apply against businesses and are paid by local residents, rather than to seek new and imaginative ways to tax people,” concluded Goodell.

More information on the legislation can be found at http://assembly.ny.gov/leg/.