Dear Editor, Thursday, May 11 marks Tax Freedom Day in the state of New York. Tax Freedom Day is the date on which our state as a whole has earned enough money to pay off its total tax bill for the year. Unfortunately, this ranks third from last in the entirety of the country, only beating out the states of Connecticut and New Jersey. While our state is able to dedicate enormous sums of money to areas such as education and infrastructure, the trend of overspending continues and the burden our state’s taxpayers have to shoulder grows heavier each year. It is no coincidence that the exodus of residents leaving our state is on the rise, while we remain near the top in tax dollars spent. As a Legislature, it is important to take a step back and look at where our priorities lie. Instead of increasing taxes as a means to an end, let us shift direction and focus on pro-business practices to generate and increase revenue. Let’s also reevaluate the programs we currently subscribe to, and downsize where possible. You can only continue to take so much from the taxpayer’s pockets before they say “enough is enough.” Your Assemblyman
Angelo J. Morinello