In a recorded address over the weekend, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo promised hold the line on taxes should he be elected governor. Americans for Tax Reform urged Cuomo to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written promise to constituents to oppose and veto any tax increases.
“New Yorkers know to be wary of Democrat candidates who talk the talk on tax reform, but Mr. Cuomo’s initial instincts are correct,”said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform. “David Paterson touted the need for fiscal responsibility in 2008, but actually taxed and spent his way into early retirement. I urge Andrew Cuomo to put his intentions in writing, sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, and lay out a roadmap to lower taxes in the Empire State.”
Under Gov. David Paterson, government has grown along with its cost to taxpayers. Spending increased 8 percent in 2009 financed by $6 billion in higher taxes and a steady stream of bailout money from Washington. The oppressive tax burden is literally chasing people out of state: Between 1999 and 2008, New York saw an outflow of over 1.7 million people, more than any other state.
“New York is reeling from the big government policies most recently perpetuated by Gov. Paterson and the Democrat-controlled legislature,” Norquist added. “Cuomo needs to walk the walk on taxes and government spending. He should take the Pledge, cut spending, and bring public employee compensation both at the local and state levels in line with economic reality.”