Senator Young Criticizes Governor on Delaying Income Tax Returns

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Olean's State Senator calls it "outrageous."

State Senator Cathy Young (R, Olean) is calling on Governor Paterson to release hundreds and millions of dollars in tax refunds to New York State taxpayers. "It is outrageous that the governor would even consider withholding tax refund checks The taxpayers of this state are hard-working people who did their duty by paying their taxes on time.  Now the state needs to meet its obligation to its taxpayers and pay them their money," said Sen. Young.

Senator Young says that as much as $500 million in refund payments could be delayed if Governor Paterson’s proposal is enacted.  "Delaying these checks doesn’t end the state’s budget problems, it merely pushes them off to the next fiscal year.  For now, all it does is cause problems for countless families and small businesses who depend on their tax refunds to meet their financial obligations," Sen. Young said.  
"This plan is a colossal slap in the face to the people of this state who already are taxed too much. The Governor needs to stop the shell games and concentrate more on cutting spending and getting the state’s affairs in order," the Olean Republican added.

Richard Hampshire, a self employed contractor from Friendship, said, "Being a resident in Allegany county, we are one of the more depressed counties in the state and people here rely on those checks.  We have gotten ourselves into such a financial state that it just shows you that New York City leaders who are controlling everything are not doing their jobs."

Paterson has also proposed delaying school and other aid payments in order to balance New York State’s budget by the end of the fiscal year.