Sen. Fred Akshar Releases Survey Results on Plastic Bag Ban and First Responders Legislation, Asks New Questions on Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants and Tuition Assistance for Gold Star Families

Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his latest online surveys asking constituents to weigh in on both the state's recently passed plastic bag ban and legislation aimed at helping first responders and volunteer firefighters. 

The survey, posted on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov drew thousands of responses from residents in the 52nd Senate District and surrounding areas.

Plastic Bag Ban Results

On the Plastic Bag Ban, the results from 2,273 responses showed:

• 40% of residents who responded opposed banning plastic grocery bags and opposed any additional taxes on grocery bags;
• 37% support banning plastic grocery bags but oppose any additional taxes on grocery bag sales;
• 22% support banning plastic grocery bags and taxing other carryout grocery bags; and
• 2% oppose banning plastic grocery bags but support taxing carryout grocery bags.

Combining the results shows that while 59% of respondents support banning plastic grocery bags, 77% are opposed to any taxes or fees on the sale of other grocery bags.

The final NYS Budget includes the option for counties to “opt-in” to a tax collected on any alternative grocery bags sold in stores.

“Our Community Voice Survey results from 52nd Senate District residents seem to be in line with statewide polls on this issue,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “While a clear majority of responses support banning plastic grocery bags, the overwhelming majority shows opposition to additional taxes on paper and reusable bag purchases. I hope our local elected officials take note when deciding whether to participate on a new tax on grocery bags.”

First Responder Legislation Results

The survey on Akshar's proposed legislation to help first responders and volunteer firefighters drew 1,552 responses, and showed:

• 96% of residents who responded support S.338, which would increase the volunteer and EMS tax credit from $200 to $500, going up to $1,000 after five years of service in good standing. It would also increase the tax credit for married volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to $2,000 who each have five or more years and are in good standing.
• 95% support S.335, the Community Heroes Protection Act, which would designate targeted offenses against firefighters, EMS workers and law enforcement personnel as hate crimes

“Both pieces of legislation are aimed at standing with and supporting our first reponders, EMS workers and members of law enforcement,” said Akshar. “If the response from community members is any indication, they also stand with and support those who keep us safe.” 

New Survey Questions

Throughout the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, Akshar will regularly post new Community Voice Survey questions on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov and publish the results of previously asked questions.

His newest Community Voice Survey questions cover legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses and a proposal to provide free tuition for dependents of military members killed while serving their country, also known as Gold Star families.

Residents are encouraged to visit Akshar.NYSenate.Gov today and weigh in on the following two questions: 

• Do you support or oppose S.1747, which would allow undocumented or illegal immigrants to obtain New York State drivers licenses?
• Do you support or oppose S.5187, which would provide free college tuition to children of members of our military who lost their lives in the line of duty, also known as Gold Star Families?

“No matter my personal views on any issue, it's important for me to continually allow the people of the 52nd Senate District to weigh in, be heard and share the results,” Akshar said. “It's about continuing to be open and accountable to the people.”

Direct link to survey: https://www.nysenate.gov/webforms/community-voice-survey-drivers-licenses-illegal-immigrants-and-free-tuition-gold-star

Full Survey Results

Question: Do you support S.1508-B, which would ban all plastic grocery bags and place a fee on (i.e., tax) all other grocery bags sold?

Responses from the 52nd Senate District (2,164)

• 22% - Support banning plastic grocery bags and taxing other carryout grocery bags
• 37% - Support banning plastic grocery bags but oppose any additional taxes on carryout grocery bags
• 2% - Oppose banning plastic grocery bags but support taxing carryout grocery bags
• 40% - Oppose banning plastic grocery bags and oppose any additional bag taxes

Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (109 Responses)

• 26% - Support banning plastic grocery bags and taxing other carryout grocery bags
• 24% - Support banning plastic grocery bags but oppose any additional taxes on carryout grocery bags
• 2% - Oppose banning plastic grocery bags but support taxing carryout grocery bags
• 49% - Oppose banning plastic grocery bags and oppose any additional bag taxes

Question: Do you support S.338 to increase the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit?

52nd Senate District (1,493 Responses)

• 96% - Support
• 4% - Oppose

Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (59 Responses)

• 95% - Support
• 5% - Oppose

Question: Do you support S.335 to designate targeted offenses against firefighters, EMS workers, and law enforcement personnel as hate crimes?

52nd Senate District (1,493 Responses)

• 85% - Support
• 15% - Oppose

Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (59 Responses)

• 86% - Support
• 14% - Oppose