Retailers praise budget changes

Fewer taxes on consumers mean better stimulus

Albany, N.Y. (March 11, 2009) – Retail Council President and CEO James R. Sherin this morning issued the following statement regarding the announced three-way agreement to eliminate several taxes and fees proposed for the state’s new budget.

“The economy moves when consumers and businesses spend. Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Smith recognize that fact and properly rescind what would have been tremendous new burdens on New York State shoppers. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in dedicating federal stimulus dollars toward ensuring that this state’s economy actually gets stimulated.

Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Smith have listened carefully to our budget concerns over the past few weeks, and we appreciate and rely upon their advocacy on behalf of New York retailers and the shoppers we are proud to serve.

We know there is a long way to go before a final budget can be passed, but the announcement today from Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Smith is a strong and encouraging signal that there is a way and a willingness to move forward to a stronger state economy.”

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