Update: Sign the Petition to Stop Nanny-State Taxes in New York

As a FreedomWorks member, you know that we’ve been closely watching the tax-hike situation in New York.  Like other states across the country, New York is facing record deficits, however instead of making the sometimes politically unpopular decision to cut wasteful spending and roll back regulations, New York’s Governor Paterson wants to tax his way out of the hole.

Take Action and sign the petition.

Governor Paterson has proposed a tax hike of 18% on beverages such as soft and juice drinks along with 136 other new fees and tax hikes to bridge a $15.4 billion budget deficit.  At a time when New York’s families have been hit hard by the current economic downturn and are cutting back on their expenses, Paterson has actually proposed a budget with $1.4 billion in new spending!  And where does that new money come from?  Cash-strapped taxpayers. 

Governor Paterson cares more about his pork projects and New York’s bloated budget than families.  And he intends to go after every dime he can via nanny-state taxes that limit your choices.  New York has apparently done such a good job spending your money, the state should also tell you what you can eat and drink.

This is preposterous and New Yorkers should be outraged.  Your elected officials think they know better than you how to live your life.  Worse still, when Paterson doesn’t get the money he needs for his bigger, badder budget he’s going to go back to the taxpayers for even more, driving business and families from the state.

There is some good news.  Just last week, conflicting statements began to emerge from the Governor’s office regarding the soda-tax plan.  Governor Paterson and his press secretary don’t seem to be on the same page when it comes to this tax hike.  That means that grassroots pressure is starting to chip away at the Governor’s plan.  As the March budget deadline draws closer, this is an important time to tell the Governor you oppose his tax and spend plan.  

FreedomWorks has joined with New Yorkers Against Unfair Taxes in an effort to stop this tax hike scheme.  We urge you to sign their petition and add your voice opposing the Governor’s proposed tax increase.  And, once you’ve done that, be sure to send it on to five more friends.  Educating our neighbors is the best chance we have to stand up to big government. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of FreedomWorks.