MESSAGE FROM SENATOR NOZZOLIO ON NEW MOTOR VEHICLE FEES

Every month brings a new round of tax and fee hikes that the Democrats in the Senate and Assembly forced on the taxpayers of New York in the 2009-10 State budget. Last month, it was the outrageous new State assessment fee on utility bills and medical care. Now the New York City Democrats have targeted our vehicles – with an increase of nearly 25% on the registration for virtually every type of vehicle that people in Upstate New York use each and every day. This increase takes effect today [September 1st]. In addition, starting in April of 2010, New Yorkers will be required to purchase new license plates at a cost of $25.00 per plate – this represents a 40% increase or $10.00 increase over the previous fee.

Unlike the residents of New York City and the downstate region, cars are not a luxury for the people of Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes – they are a necessity. People depend on their cars for nearly every aspect of their life. They drive to work, to school, to seek medical care, to shop and to travel throughout their communities. The Governor and the Senators and Assemblymen who approved these tax increases either don’t get it or just don’t care about Upstate New York residents!

As your State Senator, I strongly opposed and voted against the new motor vehicle taxes, which are part of more than a hundred new taxes being used to cover the deficit created by a State budget that increased spending by a record $13 billion. I also proposed amendments that would have eliminated every one of the new taxes and fees, including the new motor vehicle taxes. Unfortunately, the budget amendments were opposed by Senate Democrats and lost by only one vote!

 

You can learn more about my efforts to oppose the new vehicle registration fees by clicking here to visit my website or by logging on to my Facebook page.

New York State taxes and fees are too high already and New York State residents already pay some of the highest taxes in the Country. I have led the fight against these increases in the past and I will continue to do so in the future. Our families deserve better.

With best wishes,

Mike Nozzolio

Senator, 54^th District  New York State

September 1, 2009

 

Reilich Announces Call for People’s Convention to Reform New York

August 28, 2009

By Assemblyman Bill Reilich

Assemblyman Bill Reilich is calling on constituents to sign a petition supporting a people’s convention to reform New York. The petition was introduced Wednesday afternoon by the Assembly minority in an effort to answer the call of 64% of New Yorkers, according to the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, who support a reform movement in New York state.

Over the past year we have seen our state government fall deeper into debt, relying heavily on federal stimulus monies and ridiculous tax increases introduced by the governor; we have seen turmoil in our State Senate, and our economy is in a downward recession. Those of us who are fighting for what is right are being overshadowed by partisanship and back door political nonsense that is hurting the people of New York. I didn’t run for office to leave this legacy and this is not the environment we want to leave future generations. It is time that we reform our system once and for all, putting the power back where it belongs, where our forefathers intended it be, in the hands of the people.

The petition calls for a people’s convention that would reform issues regarding political term limits, backdoor borrowing, state spending and tax reform, the re-call of elected officials, non-partisan redistricting, establishing procedure vacancies, and enacting initiative and referendum; it will also require a 2/3’s majority vote on any tax increases.

It is my hope, that none of my colleagues, other elected officials or registered lobbyists will run as delegates. Our state government is broken; it is time that a non-partisan, apolitical group of citizens is formed as a watchdog over those in state government who are destroying the state we were once proud of. I stand behind this movement in full support of the possibilities it will bring and urge constituents from across New York state to get involved in making our state a place we are proud to call home once again.

Individuals interested in signing the petition for the people’s convention to reform New York, may visit the Reform NY website at www.reformny.org.

Assemblyman Bill Reilich represents the 134th District and currently serves as Chairman of the Monroe County Republican Committee