Another Booz Tax?

By: Lily Stolzberg 

Many people spent yesterday celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a drink in hand...ok, maybe several. And if today's hangover hasn't convinced you to lay off the booz, a new tax proposal might.

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D- Brooklyn) has introduced a bill that would increase the state tax on beer, wine, and liquor. If you are a beer drinker, expect to shell out 10 cents more a drink.  You'd pay 52 cents more for a bottle of wine.  And those who go straight to the hard stuff--you could pay 92 cents more for a bottle of booz.

Governor Paterson had a similar idea back in December when he introduced some budget proposals himself.  He wants to also raise the tax on beer and wine by about 6 cents per six pack or bottle.

Ortiz says his bill could raise nearly 540 million dollars this year.  And with the state facing a deficit in the billions, that's not chump change. He wants most of the money to go to alcohol recovery and treatment programs that could face cuts. Some are applauding that.

What is hard to applaud is another increase in taxes of any sort during a time when people are getting laid off and bills are piling up. Is indulging in a cold beer or nice glass of wine a luxury for some? Absolutely! But for those who can't afford to go out for a nice meal or meet up with friends for a cocktail--enjoying a few beers and watching a movie at home is something they can afford to do. But now even that small luxury may come with a higher price. It may not sound like much money, but a small tax increase here and there adds up.

But I do have a feeling that tax increase or no tax increase, if people want to down one, they are just going to do it...hopefully, responsibly!

Comments

[GLEN]

VERY VERY VERY BAD IDEA!!!! ASSEMBLYMAN ORTIZ WILL BE LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB AFTER NEXT ELECTION!!! ENOUGH TAXATION WITHOUT RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND STEWARDSHIP!!!!!

[dick]

Raise it as high as possible

[dick]

Raise it as high as possible