Common Sense: Keep the sales tax exemption

A recent report by a Cuomo-created commission to review and reform state tax policy recommended that the New York State sales tax exemption on clothing and shoe purchases under $110 be eliminated.

It would be up to the governor to propose formally and the legislature to adopt. I suspect the likelihood of such a proposal getting through the Republican-dominated state Senate to be zero. And that’s a very good thing.

Frankly, eliminating this exemption would significantly hurt small clothing and shoe businesses as well as take a few more dollars out of the already-stretched pockets of the poor and middle class. The governor would be wise to reject this recommendation.

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You know Obamacare is in trouble when the president and his administration as well as Democratic members of Congress stop referring to it as such and say that it will be necessary to “rebrand it.” That means call it something else.

In 2012, they were happy to campaign on it by name merrily discussing the perceived merits. Now it will likely cost the Democrats seats in the house, possibly control of the Senate and a positive legacy for the president. No wonder they want to rename it.

Allow me to suggest Pelosicare or Reidcare as a replacement since they also deserve a lion’s share of the credit. One person you will not be able ever to associate with the misnamed Federal Affordable Care Act would be George Bush, who seems to get blamed for just about everything by the Democrats in D.C.

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State Senator Marty Golden – whom I serve as chief of staff — held a very successful fundraiser last week at Gargiulo’s catering hall in Coney Island. The event was chaired by Bill Guarinello, who had approximately 27 co- chairs. The event raised around $250,000 which once again makes it the most successful fundraising event for a state legislator held this year in Southern Brooklyn.

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Most of the councilmembers running for speaker of the City Council have indicated support for a proposal to allow non-American citizens to vote in city elections. Inasmuch as your local councilmember votes on speaker and we vote for our local councilmember, I believe telling your councilmember that you do not want him or her to support a speaker who supports such a crazy proposal is fair.

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I wish all my readers, editor, our publisher and all the staff a happy, safe Thanksgiving and a joyous start to the holiday season, which this year includes an early Hanukkah.