News Releases & Statements

New York Leaders Deserve Credit for Scrapping Tax Hikes on Beverages, Other Consumer Products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
March 11, 2009

Contacts:
ABA Press Office
(202) 463-6770

NY Leaders Deserve Credit for Scrapping Tax Hikes on Beverages, Other Consumer Products

 Their promise will protect jobs, prevent further economic burden on hard-working New Yorkers

(Below is a statement by the American Beverage Association on the announcement today by Gov. Paterson, Speaker Silver and Majority Leader Smith to remove numerous tax hikes on consumer goods from the proposed state budget.)

Hard-working New Yorkers received good news today with the commitment by Gov. Paterson and legislative leaders to remove from the budget an array of tax increases on everyday consumer products, including an 18 percent sales tax on regular soft drinks and juice drinks.

We thank Gov. Paterson and lawmakers for taking the concerns of New Yorkers to heart and responding in a way that protects their jobs and doesn't add to their financial burdens during these tough economic times.

The Governor and legislative leaders deserve credit for listening to New Yorkers and promising to scrap the burden of these taxes from the state budget.

We particularly appreciate the Governor's comments in his news conference acknowledging the negative impact these taxes can have on families, job growth and the economy. As the budget process unfolds, we look forward to working with the Governor and lawmakers to address the state's budgetary needs in a manner that doesn't cost consumers more money or put their jobs at risk.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

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