Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C,I – Greenwood Lake) voted against legislation that would impose an estimated $14 million in taxes on small businesses and raids another $78 million from the Environmental Protection Fund. Because the cost to re-open the parks is roughly $11 million, Assemblywoman Rabbitt questioned the true intention of the legislation, which is also yet to be addressed by the senate.
“This is complete absurdity. What gimmick will Albany’s three men try next? If this legislation’s true intention was to save our parks and historic sites so New Yorkers can enjoy them during the Memorial Day holiday, they have got to be kidding. This bill, which the senate has not even seen yet, does nothing more than launder dedicated funds into the state’s coffers. If saving the parks costs $11 million, then why are they taking more than $90 million,” said the assemblywoman, who has been strongly opposed to the governor’s closing of over 40 parks and more than two dozen historic sites last week. Lawmakers need to use that same motivation in passing a state budget so that New Yorkers can finally get what they really need - a responsible fiscal plan that will allow them to keep their jobs, homes and services,” said
Assemblywoman Rabbitt stated, “Furthermore, this bill does nothing toward enactment of what New Yorkers really need – a responsible fiscal plan that will allow them to keep their homes, jobs, and service. This bill actually can cost even more jobs and with over 830,000 New Yorkers unemployed, it is beyond reason that Albany’s three men could introduce yet another job-killing measure.”
“As much as I want our parks and historic sites to re-open, this is simply too much. I cannot support this legislation and urge my colleagues in the senate, if they address the bill, to vote against it as I did,” said the assemblywoman.