Proposed Wine Tax Increase in NY

[glenora]

The State budget being proposed by NY's Governor includes a line (actually several) that raises the excise tax on wine in NY by 460%!!! From $.05/liter to $.28/liter

In order to placate the industry (NY) the proposal is suggesting that approximately 10% of the increase (revenue, not the tax increase) will be used to promote the NY wine industry (the proposal does not say how this will be done, who will get the money)

Last week we were informed of a proposal being made by the NYS Liquor Authority to increase our bonds.

And the government officials wonder why business is leaving NY!!!

[winoweenie]

What??? And leave all that beauty, Luxury, and PROFIT! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

Sorry to hear that Gene. So glad I left the state for the Air Force, and have never moved back. But, we will came and visit you again. Bev loves you, I think.

[wineguruchgo]

I think they should tax all wine imported into the state and leave the NY wineries alone. To me that's fair. If people want to drink California, France or Australia let them pay for it.

Personally, I'm proud of the fact that I skipped the entry level white zinfandel and was weaned on New York State white wines. There is some mighty fine juice there and they should reward the wineries by not raising their taxes.

[Bucko]

Sorry Gene, it's 24 cents here in WA ... 5 cents is pretty low.

[Thomas]

Gene,

Can you send me the details. I'll start bombarding the govt. in my columns.

You are right to be suspicious of that tax money going to promotion--we both know what that means.

Bucko, the excise tax may seem low when compared to Washington's but I'll bet the other business taxes imposed in NY State out pace even the Caesars' of Rome.

[glenora]

foodie

Will do--in summary the tax increase (proposed for June of 2005) is supposed to generate 37.7 million, of which 3.5 million is to be used to promote NY wines--all of the funds (taxes)are deposited in the General Fund, so there is no quarentee that the 3.5 million will be used for promotion. Remember the NY lottery was started to "fund education" -- not the case today.

[Thomas]

I don't know about that last statement, Gene. I've watched the NY Lottery grow and I got an education in scam payout schemes...

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 01-24-2005).]