No Tax On Rebate Checks is Good: Meaningful Property Tax Relief Would Be Even Better

The Governor said that forthcoming federal tax rebate checks – which Congress approved and the President recently signed into law as part of a national economic stimulus package – will not be subject to state income taxes. We need the Governor to take the next step and deliver meaningful tax relief by making New York’s property tax rebate check program whole by rescinding the proposed cuts made in the 2008-09 Executive Budget. Another positive step would be making the property tax rebate checks exempt from state income taxes, just as the federal rebate checks are.

Tedisco in 60: T-Minus 40 Days to Budget Deadline

Just 40 days left until the budget is due. This week, I talk about what the legislature and Governor can do to get the budget done on time the right way.

Your family now owes NYS $575 -- $102 more than 3 weeks ago

My staff just completed its analysis of the amendments to the Governor's budget and found that the increases in taxes and fees contained in it would cost the average New York State family $575.20 a year. As you may recall, I blogged on January 23rd on this and at that time the total cost to New York families was $473. These amendments put the squeeze on middle-class taxpayers even more than the hit the Governor originally placed on them.

Governor Spitzer's Budget - Cost to an Average Family

Proposal Cost/Family

Tuition
Community College Tuition $100

DMV
Endorsement Fee for WHTI compliant drivers license $80

Insurance
Increased Motor Vehicle Insurance Fee ($15 X 2 cars) $30

Mortgage Recording Fee
County optional increase $20
Per page filing fee increase ($2 X 11 pages) $22

Gas Tax Merger
Tax Increase per Family $12

Health Costs
Health Maintenance Organization Tax $157
Covered Lives Assessment $43

Internet Tax
Tax Increase per Family $15

Groceries
Bottle Bill per Family $31.20

Middle Class Star Rebate
No increase for Basic STAR Recipients $65

TOTAL COST PER FAMILY $575.20

Tedisco in 60: NYRA Agreement

This week, I focus on the NYRA agreement which I believe is good news for local taxpayers, the horsemen, the breeders, racing enthusiasts and for the future of racing in New York State.

Property Tax Relief Commission Video Part 3

...and here's the rest of my testimony.

Property Tax Relief Commission Video Part 2

Here's the second part of my testimony.

Property Tax Relief Commission Video Part 1

Here's the first part of my testimony today to the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief. Part 2 and 3 will soon follow.