IT’S APRIL 15th: GOT TAX RELIEF?

North Country taxpayers “feeling the tax squeeze” thanks to Assemblywoman Russell’s support for billions in new taxes and spending

Today is April 15th — Tax Day — when state and federal income tax filings are due. This year, North Country taxpayers will pay more of their hard-earned money to New York State government because of Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s (D-Theresa) votes in Albany to raise taxes and fees.

Last year, Russell voted for a state budget that hiked taxes and fees by $8.2 billion and raised state government spending by nearly 10 percent. That budget eliminated STAR property tax rebate checks and hiked taxes and fees on sportsmen, health insurance, home purchases, energy bills, auto insurance, DMV license plates, beer and wine sales, and SUNY tuition.

Two weeks ago, Russell voted for an Assembly budget resolution that would add $2 billion in new borrowing and hike job-killing taxes by $342 million. New York taxpayers are already on the hook for $57 billion in state debt; $10 billion of that still remains from past borrowings to cover deficits over the years. Meanwhile, the state budget is now two weeks overdue with no anticipated date for passage in sight.

“This Tax Day, North Country residents are feeling the tax squeeze like never before from the state and federal governments and Assemblywoman Russell’s votes to hike job-killing taxes have not delivered much needed relief,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).

“Assemblywoman Russell needs to stop stalling and start working to pass a fiscally responsible budget that actually lowers taxes, cuts government spending and helps create private sector jobs to put people back to work,” concluded Hennessey.