"Any tax cuts in these times of surplus for the City and the State - and let's not be fooled by the good times; these times of surplus will not last forever - should be geared toward economic development and job creation, not political pandering," the Comptroller continued.
"I urge the Governor and Legislature to think about what they're doing - to think about all the reasons this is wrong. I urge them to reconsider and not pass this repeal. I believe the Governor and Legislature should spend less time on the City budget issues and more time on passing a State budget that is now 46 days late," the Comptroller concluded.
When compared to the 3.83 percent personal income tax City residents must pay, the commuter income tax that non-residents pay is a significantly lesser amount.
Did I miss something? I thought Rudy was against abolishing this tax or is the comptroller complaining that this is taking time away from the state budget process?
He's against it (this press release incorrectly says "computer" tax instead of "commuter" tax).
Nice scam. Charge income tax for people who don't live in your city, but just work there.
STATEMENT BY MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI IN RESPONSE TO STATE LEGISLATURE'S REPEAL OF COMPUTER INCOME TAX
"I believe that the legislation repealing the commuter income tax, passed in haste in Albany today, represents a triumph of politics over common sense. This modest .45 tax, which has not been increased in 28 years is just, equitable and the lowest comparable non-resident tax anywhere in the country, including Yonkers. If Albany is truly interested in tax reform that will spur the economy, create jobs and lift real government burdens, they failed miserably today.
Despite the Governor's contrary statements, I would urge him to veto this legislation because it does not have an accompanying home rule message and is therefore illegal.