| The Fair Share Tax Reform Act of 2009 was introduced yesterday in the Senate with 18 co-sponsors. Here's some reactions from around the state.
Newsday - Paterson threatens veto of 'millionaires' tax'
Gov. David A. Paterson Tuesday threatened to veto a millionaires' tax unless lawmakers first cut billions of dollars in spending.
He said he would oppose increasing the personal income tax on the wealthy in order to sustain the current level of state spending. "What we are trying to do here is get rid of the addiction to spending that is just abounding in this Capitol and get ourselves on the road to fiscal discipline," he told reporters after a speech to the state Association of Counties.
Asked if he would veto a hike in taxes on the wealthy, Paterson said, "I think I would if there was the type of tax increase that was just designed to recreate spending."
He added that lawmakers first must agree to $11.2 billion in spending cuts in the 2009-10 budget before considering more broad-based taxes.
"If what I'm seeing is?taxes to bring back programs that we think we need to cut, I'm going to stop it."
Daily News - Gov. Paterson waffles on tax hikes for wealthy
Gov. Paterson suggested Tuesday he may veto any plan to hike taxes on the wealthy.
"Everybody is trying to find a way that they can keep spending," Paterson complained. "If people think that they are going to create a false economy here by raising taxes ... I am just not going to support this."
Asked specifically if he would veto an income tax hike, Paterson said, "I think I would if there was the type of tax increase that was just designed to re-create spending."
But, in typical Paterson style, he hedged shortly afterward.
"I didn't say that I would veto an income tax hike for all time," the governor said.
WXXI (NYPR) - Governor Offers Conditional Support for Tax Hike
Governor David Paterson has given conditional backing to a plan to increase taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers, but he says the legislature will have to prove they can make deep spending cuts first.
Governor Paterson gave his strongest signal yet that he might sign on to a plan to increase income taxes on the state's richest residents. Paterson, who has said for months that raising income taxes should be last resort, now says he'll consider a proposal that's gaining support in the legislature if lawmakers agree to some serious spending cuts first.
"If I see real spending cuts that really address this problem, and if our deficit goes beyond it, well then we're at a point when our backs are against the wall," said Paterson, who said he might consider raising the income taxes on the wealthy then.
At the same time, in a seemingly contradictory statement, the governor threatened to veto a tax hike bill, if the legislature doesn't implement cuts to his satisfaction.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle (Gannet) - Paterson won't change budget after stimulus aid
Gov. David Paterson warned state lawmakers Tuesday not to raise income taxes on the wealthy or use federal stimulus aid to restore budget cuts, suggesting he may veto attempts to boost state spending.
Paterson first indicated that he would veto a plan by the Democratic-controlled Legislature to increase taxes on the wealthy, but then said a tax increase couldn't be ruled out if the state's finances were to worsen.
"If I see real spending cuts that really address this problem, and if our deficit goes beyond it, well then, we are at a point where our backs are against the wall" and income taxes could be increased, he said.
Anything in your local press this morning? |
