Says Democrat state leadership’s solution to everything: more taxes
The Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus put forth a resolution today opposing a New York State Assembly budget plan that would add a state and local sales tax on streaming services. The proposal calls for a 4 percent state sales tax and 4 percent local sales tax to be tacked on to digital subscriptions in order to raise money for mass transit systems. The resolution passed 8-3.
“Paychecks aren’t going up, but just about everything else is,” said Minority Leader John Mills. “This tax goes after everyday people and will impact the majority of households in Erie County. Our state leaders need to learn to get more creative with their solutions. Taking more money out of taxpayers’ pockets isn’t the answer.”
Money raised from the tax would go to transit systems across New York State, although the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City stands to benefit the most. Lawmakers estimate the tax would raise $63 million by 2027.
“Streaming services are already raising rates,” said Legislator Frank Todaro. “In fact, residents in this state are already getting hit harder than ever because of inflation, and now this. Most of the money raised by this tax would go downstate to help fund the MTA which already has a massive operating budget. Why should we here in Erie County be paying for a New York City-based Transportation Authority.”
The 2023 operating budget for the MTA is $19.4 billion. Other transportation systems would also receive some of the funding, estimated to be about $46 million by 2027 under this plan.
“Western New York received a significant amount of money from the state to help fund the new Bills stadium. But, there is a surcharge on tickets, parking and concessions that fans attending Bills games will have to also pay to help foot the bill. If downstate lawmakers want to raise more money for the MTA beyond their nearly $20 billion operating budget, then downstate residents and those who use the MTA should be the ones to pay for that,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
“Albany lawmakers have one so-called solution to almost every funding problem; raise taxes. No wonder so many people flee New York State. We’re not against investing in public transportation, but don’t tax us here in Western New York to raise money for the MTA. State lawmakers need to do better,” said Legislator Jim Malczewski.
Presently the New York State Assembly is proposing the tax for streaming services, as well as audiobooks, podcasts, games and other digital products that are “electronically or digitally delivered, streamed or accessed.”