MEDIA RELEASE
PULASKI, N.Y., March 12, 2009 -- Statement from Assemblyman William A. Barclay
I am very disappointed that the Governor did not remove the excise beer tax in his recent round of tax eliminations from his proposed budget. The Governor proposes to increase the tax on every gallon of beer produced in New York from $.11 to $.24 per gallon.
If passed, the tax will hit Anheuser-Busch in Baldwinsville especially hard. Their plant alone produces 7.6 million barrels every year. Further, the tax will put the 900 jobs in jeopardy. Plant spokespersons have said if they are taxed further, they will stop producing in New York.
I'm also concerned about wine makers. Our state has promoted wine trails and encouraged wineries to come here and, now, they too are in jeopardy of being taxed $.51 per gallon of wine produced, up from $.19.
Additionally, with this budget, a $.13 floor tax would be imposed on every gallon of beer. The floor tax further penalizes beer manufacturer and distributors, as it requires businesses to pay for the beer they have not sold but is on their property by June 22. Similarly, the governor proposes a $.32 floor tax for every gallon of wine.
Our businesses and job suppliers are who we want to stay here but if Paterson's budget passes with these taxes, I fear both jobs and businesses will find somewhere where it is less costly to do business.
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