Group Opposes Increased Taxes & Fees BUFFALO (wned) - Governor Paterson and state legislative leaders will not comment, but it appears a series of new taxes will be passed in the coming days. Few specifics have been offered on the revenue enhancers, though anonymous sources have indicated the increases will help stave off cuts in education spending as the state closes a nine-billion dollar budget deficit.

That has prompted a bi-partisan coalition of business and trade organizations - pushing for reform in Albany - to urge taxpayers to get educated - and join the opposition against the proposed tax hike

Brian Sampson Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate says using new fees and higher taxes is a cowardly move. Unshackle Upstate represents nearly 45,000 companies.

Sampson says along with increasing taxes, Albany is cutting business tax credits in half for the next three years. He calls it a double punch in the gut.

"New Yorkers are down and out as it is. What we don't need is another kick in the gut from our elected officials who are supposed to be there representing us," Sampson said.

If the latest plan is approved 10-to-13-percent of the budget will be balanced with the so called "revenue actions."

New York has had one of the highest tax burdens in the Nation every year for the past three decades. Sampson says Unshackle Upstate believes this is the year for change.
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