New York State Assembly

Holidays like Mother's Day and Independence Day are times to bring families together and celebrate the good things in our lives. Unfortunately, there was one 'holiday' on the calendar earlier this month that should serve as a worrisome reminder of how much money New Yorkers are giving to the government in the form of taxes every year. 'Tax Freedom Day' took place on May 6, 2013 in New York State. Calculated by The Tax Foundation, this symbolic day represents the date on which residents of a state have worked long enough to pay their entire yearly tax obligations.

'TAX FREEDOM DAY' IS A STARK REMINDER OF THE HIGH TAX BURDEN ON FAMILIES AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN NEW YORK STATE

Sadly, New York ranks 49th out of 50 states when it comes to highest taxes nationally, and it continues to take longer and longer for us to reach this benchmark each year. This marks the third straight year that 'Tax Freedom Day' has appeared later on the calendar in New York State. In 2012, Tax Freedom Day fell on May 1; in 2011, it came on April 24; and in 2010, it came on April 23. More information about 'Tax Freedom Day' is available online.

'Tax Freedom Day' is more evidence of what hard-working New Yorkers already know - our state's tax burden continues to cripple the financial health of our families and businesses and very little is being done about it. Despite the rhetoric, promises and advertising campaigns that say otherwise, we have yet to enact responsible fiscal policies that reduce the overwhelming tax burden on New York's families and businesses.

In fact, a recent report from the Empire Center for New York State Policy found that property owners in Upstate cities and rural communities have the highest tax burdens compared with the value of their homes. The report highlights the disproportionate burden we face in Upstate New York: the highest tax rates are currently found in places with the lowest property values.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM IS SORELY NEEDED, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF HARD-WORKING FAMILIES

Incredibly, the folks in Albany 'celebrated' 'Tax Freedom Day' by unveiling a plan to create a taxpayer-funded political campaign system and spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to fund the election campaigns of individuals seeking public office across the state.

Quite frankly, forcing taxpayers to pay for a multimillion dollar funding scheme will not solve the real problem in Albany - the rampant abuses of office that have shattered the public's confidence in their elected leaders. The plain truth is that this plan will not 'clean up' Albany. Taxpayer-funded campaigns already exist in New York City, and so does more public corruption than possibly any other place in the nation. Struggling local families should not have to foot the bill for political campaigns - especially corrupt campaigns.

I agree that Albany must dramatically change the way candidates and elected officials use their campaign accounts. I strongly support more restrictions, limits and greater disclosure requirements to dictate how political donations may be used. Officials should not be able to use political donations for their personal use or to pay legal fees to defend criminal actions. Penalties for late financial disclosures need to increase dramatically and the campaign funds of convicted officials should be forfeited and donated to charity. Stay tuned for my 'common-sense' solutions to the rampant corruption in Albany.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.