“May 5 is “Tax Freedom Day” in New York state, which means we have worked the amount of days this year to earn enough money to pay the combined tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels. The fact that we must work 126 days just to pay our taxes is ridiculous, and I am calling on the state Legislature to pass some much-needed tax relief. The Tax Foundation states that in 2008, on average, Americans must work 74 days to afford their federal taxes and 39 additional days to pay state and local taxes. Affording food takes 35 days of work, clothing, 13 days and housing, 60 days. Health care requires 50 days, transportation, 29 days and recreation, 21 days. These are very alarming statistics.”
“It is completely unacceptable that only two states have a later Tax Freedom Day than New York and it is time that we actively work to change that. I am joining with my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference in introducing legislation that will help lessen the tax burden that New Yorkers are forced to undertake. I am hoping that the members of the Assembly Majority will join us in this effort for the good of all New Yorkers.”