How Albany’s Budget Will Impact Central New York

Dear Neighbor,

New York has one of the highest state and local tax burdens in the country. Governor Paterson’s proposed 2009-2010 budget includes 137 new taxes and fees. If enacted, this will cost the average family an additional $3,875.48 per year. This budget proposal hikes taxes and fees on things such as gasoline, clothing, haircuts, cable and satellite TV. It even creates a new “obesity tax” on certain beverages.

If this budget proposal is passed, more businesses, jobs and residents will leave our state. We cannot afford this in Central New York. That is why it is important that the budget process is open and transparent. I will continue to inform my constituents of these proposals and I encourage you to let me know your thoughts on the budget. The state shouldn’t balance the budget on the backs of hardworking New Yorkers and I will continue to fight against these new taxes.

If you have any questions on the budget or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my district office. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or by calling (315) 598-5185.

Assemblyman
Will Barclay

The Governor’s budget includes
137 NEW TAXES AND FEES

The Governor’s 2009-2010 Budget includes 137 New Taxes and Fees. Here are some that will impact Central New York residents and businesses:

Sales tax on footwear and clothing under $110.
Tax on cable and satellite TV and radio services.
Tax on discount coupons for store purchases.
Sales tax on barbering, beauty salon treatments, health salons, gymnasiums and saunas.
Sales tax on digital products, ring tones, digital movies, digital photographs, downloads, online games and other entertainment services.
Repeal the $2 per gallon state sales tax cap on gasoline.
Tax on soda and other non-diet beverages known as the “obesity tax.”
Transportation tax for taxis, limos, charter buses, charter fishing services, horse-drawn carriages and sightseeing services.
Entertainment tax on theaters, movie tickets, fairs, race tracks, exhibitions, circuses, golf courses, gymnasiums, bowling alleys, swimming pools and other venues for sports, sporting clubs, including fishing and hunting venues.
Increased motor vehicle registration fee, license plate renewal fee, motor vehicle rental tax, and new highway use replacement fee for registering vehicles and trailers.
Increased surcharge on auto insurance and elimination of the tax cap on traffic violations.
Reinstitute hospital assessments, increase hospital surcharges and covered lives assessment, and institute a physician’s procedure surcharge.
Increased taxes on malt beverages, beer and wine, as well as on regular and little cigars.
Increased and new business taxes, including those that will adversely affect manufacturers, insurance companies, healthcare providers and other businesses.

Increased Costs for the Average New York Family:
$3,875.48

The Governor’s plan to increase taxes and fees on our already overburdened families is not the answer to the budget deficit. This budget will only hurt the Central New York economy and job growth. I will continue to work on finding alternative solutions that will not negatively impact our community.

To obtain a complete list of new taxes and fees proposed in the 2009-2010 budget, please contact my office at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling (315) 598-5185.