WXXI Local Stories
WXXI Local Stories
Bruno Pledges No New Taxes, but says Fee Increases Possible
(2008-01-02)
(WXXI) - New York's Senate Majority Leader says he'll resist any efforts to raise taxes in the New Year.

Senate Leader Joe Bruno says he hopes Governor Spitzer will fulfill his promise to hold the line on taxes in 2008. Last year, the governor also said he'd propose no new taxes, but did advocate closing corporate tax loopholes, something Bruno says he considers a back door tax hike.

"I'm telling you, as a position, we're saying 'not one penny more in new taxes'," said Bruno.

The Senator would not rule out accepting some fee increases, though, such as increased tuition at public colleges and universities, saying he can't answer until he sees all the details of the state's finances. He'll have that chance later this month when Governor Spitzer gives his budget presentation.

The State faces a budget deficit of at least $4.3 billion dollars, and Bruno admits there may have to be so-called one-shot infusions of revenue to balance the budget.
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