SENATOR NOZZOLIO PETITION TO END UTILITY TAX GAINS NEARLY 2,000 SUPPORTERS IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

Michael F. Nozzolio

Nearly 2,000 New Yorkers have already declared their support for State Senator Mike Nozzolio’s efforts to repeal the regressive new State Assessment Tax on utility bills. Senator Nozzolio has started an online petition calling upon Governor Paterson and Senate President Malcolm Smith to eliminate the tax, which was included in their disastrous 2009-10 State Budget.

“In less than 24 hours, I have received thousands of responses from constituents who are also fed up with yet another unnecessary, burdensome tax,” said Senator Nozzolio. “This overwhelming response should send a clear message to Governor Paterson and Senator Smith to repeal this onerous tax before even more homeowners and job-producing businesses vote with their feet and leave the state altogether.”

Starting July 1st, individuals and businesses will have to pay a 2% State Assessment Fee on top of their monthly utility bills as part of the 2009-10 New York State Budget.  Senator Nozzolio is encouraging anyone upset with the new utility tax to go to www.senatornozzoliopetition.com and sign his petition calling for the tax to be repealed. The petition is also accessible through Senator Nozzolio’s Facebook page.

Close to 2,000 people and counting have already signed the petition since it was introduced on Tuesday.

“Families have had to cut costs, and New York State government must do the same,” Senator Nozzolio concluded,  “If we do not act soon to reverse devastating new taxes like this one, New York will be the last state in America to emerge from the national recession.” 

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