Senator Nozzolio Blasts Governor Paterson’s Proposal To Delay Tax Refund Checks

Albany- Senator Nozzolio strongly criticized Governor Paterson’s proposal to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in tax refunds to New York State taxpayers.

“Delaying the payment of state tax refunds to New York State residents unfairly punishes taxpayers who have followed the law and fulfilled their obligation to file their New York State tax returns,” said Senator Nozzolio, “These individuals believed they would receive their State tax refund in a reasonable period of time. Many of these individuals are depending on their tax refund to meet other financial obligations they may have. Any delay in the processing of these refunds is simply unacceptable.”

As much as $500 million in refund payments could be delayed if Governor Paterson’s proposal is enacted.

"New York State's current budget crisis could have been avoided if the State Legislature had acted responsibly last year and refused to adopt a New York State budget that increased spending by over 10% and raised taxes by over $ 8.5 billion," said Senator Nozzolio," By refusing to make the tough decisions that needed to be made last year, New York State's deficit has risen to unprecedented levels and placed New York State's financial future in serious jeopardy."

Governor Paterson has also proposed delaying school and other aid payments in order to balance New York State’s budget by the end of the fiscal year.

Senator Nozzolio has proposed a number of solutions to the current State budget crisis including the immediate reinstatement of strong anti-fraud measures that would weed out fraud and abuse in the State's Medicaid system and free up millions of dollars in State revenues. In addition, Senator Nozzolio called on the State to freeze all unnecessary purchases of State recreational lands and to look critically at every expenditure of State taxpayer dollars.

“Our taxpayers should not be punished for the lack of fiscal responsibility in Albany. I am calling upon Governor Paterson to immediately abandon his proposal to delay the processing of State income tax refunds.” concluded Senator Nozzolio.