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Submitted by the Office of New York State Sen. Rob Ortt
New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican conference today unveiled legislation aimed at providing relief for hardworking New Yorkers who are struggling amidst the state’s affordability crisis, and called for the bills to be included in this year’s enacted budget.
The bills are designed to ensure New Yorkers are able to keep more of their hard-earned income in their own pockets by eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay and cash tips:
√ S.587, eliminating state income taxes on cash tips, which are considered wages or compensation; and
√ S.3914, eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay.
“At a time when so many New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs on everything from groceries to utility bills, it’s imperative we do anything we can to make sure they are able to keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets,” Ortt said. “Albany Democrats continue to pass bills that make New York less affordable, not more. In contrast, these two pieces of legislation will provide immediate, significant relief, and I commend Sen. Jack Martins on his leadership on this issue.”
Martins said, “It is time to prioritize relief for hardworking New Yorkers who are struggling to keep up as New York becomes more and more unaffordable. These bills will help our constituents hold on to more of the money they work so hard to earn in their own pockets, and I urge the governor and my colleagues in the majorities in the Legislature to include these provisions in this year’s state budget.”
State Sen. Steven Rhoads said, “Hardworking New Yorkers are being taxed to the brink while Albany keeps spending like there’s no limit. Enough is enough. Eliminating state income taxes on overtime pay and cash tips is a simple, common-sense way to let workers keep more of what they earn. Middle-class families need relief, not more government bloat. If the Senate majority is actually serious about making New York affordable – not just growing the budget – they’ll put these bills in the budget. It’s time to cut the nonsense, cut the taxes, and let New Yorkers catch a break.”
These bills are a key aspect of the Senate Republicans’ “Liberate New York” agenda, of which a primary focus is helping make New York more affordable for all. These bills would also complement efforts underway at the federal level to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime to provide even more financial relief to New Yorkers struggling to get by.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and speakers.