January 30, 2008

STACHOWSKI WANTS "TAX-FREE" PERIOD FOR

WINTER-RELATED PURCHASES

With Western New York in the midst of another winter storm, State Senator Bill Stachowski has announced his introduction of legislation which would establish a tax free period for the purchase certain "storm related" merchandise. The Senator's bill would set aside several weeks in the month of September, during which time residents could buy select winter gear free of New York State sales tax.

The Senator explained he got the idea when he was told that "Florida currently has in place an annual two week "sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness" which allows a sales tax exemption on identified hurricane preparedness items purchased during that period. As this falls just before the start of their annual hurricane season, it has proven to be an excellent opportunity to get citizens properly equipped, and to promote emergency preparedness in the home."

"Here in Western New York, we should be looking at our winter storm season in much the same manner" he said "by making sure that our homes are equipped with items such as shovels, rock salt, roof rakes and flashlights; all basic needs for a family attempting to deal with a heavy snowfall or a power outage. My bill, would also include sales tax exemptions for the purchase of generators, batteries, lanterns, auxiliary sump pumps and other items."

Recalling last year's October surprise storm, and the two windstorms Western New York has just experienced, Senator Stachowski said that the bill would not only provide the sales tax "holiday" but it would serve as a reminder for residents to pick up the items they need that may have broken or been misplaced during the previous winter. "I know many people vowed they would buy a generator or special sump pump after last fall's storm" Stachowski said. "But once the snow melted and the trees were trimmed, they either forgot about it, or felt it wasn't important any more. This law would offer an incentive to purchase these items, while also giving a boost to retailers that offer these household goods."

The Senator said he would like to work with the New York State Emergency Management Office to promote emergency preparedness and with local officials such as volunteer fire companies to spread the word about the need for certain staples during our often harsh winter season. "Tough winters are nothing new to us here in Erie County, and we know how to cope with blowing snow and cold temperatures" he added. "But we all could use a new shovel, flashlight or battery-operated lantern. This is a proposal that makes sense no matter how you look at it."