Williamsville, N.Y. – New York State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer announced his opposition to Governor Paterson’s 142 new taxes and fees in his 2009-2010 Executive Budget outside Jerry’s Barber Shop in Williamsville today. Among the Governor’s proposals are new taxes and fees on haircuts, bowling, movie tickets, gym memberships, health insurance, pedicures, plane tickets, iTunes downloads, and store coupons.
The proposed taxes and fees will hurt Western New York’s middle-class families. “During these tough economic times, Western New Yorkers are working harder than ever to make ends meet. These taxes and fees will devastate Western New York middle-class families,” said Ranzenhofer. “State leaders must focus on cutting wasteful spending by enacting across the board spending cuts to solve New York State’s fiscal crisis, not by asking middle-class families to send more money to Albany when they get their haircut or go to the movies,” added Ranzenhofer.
The proposed taxes and fees are expected to hurt Western New York’s small businesses. “The Governor’s proposed taxes and fees place an unfair burden on small business-oriented goods and services. These new taxes and fees will cause small businesses to spend more time and resources reporting taxes to New York. Small businesses will be forced to raise prices to account for lost revenue and pass the cost onto their customers,” said Ranzenhofer.
Jerry Paladino, owner of Jerry’s Barber Shop expressed his concerns about the tax. “If they go ahead with the proposed hair cut tax, I will be forced to raise prices and ultimately lose customers,” said Paladino.
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer was elected to the New York State Senate in 2008. He represents the 61st Senate District which includes part of the city of Tonawanda, the Towns of Amherst, Clarence, Newstead and Tonawanda in Erie County and all of Genesee County.
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