ALBANY – NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement ahead of Tax Freedom Day this Saturday:

“New Yorkers mark a grim milestone on Saturday: Tax Freedom Day, the day we have finally worked long enough to pay off our total tax burden. In New York, that day falls on May 3, the latest in the nation. It takes 124 days of hard work just to satisfy the demands of government before we can begin to provide for ourselves and our families.

“No state taxes its people more heavily than New York. We rank #1 in combined state and local taxes, and dead last in business friendliness. Residents are taxed on nearly everything, from income, gas, and utilities to wireless services, insurance, telecommunications, investments, and even clothing.

“The system is rigged against hardworking families. As costs skyrocket, more New Yorkers are pushed into higher tax brackets because Albany refuses to index income taxes to inflation, meaning that New Yorkers pay more in taxes even if their real income has not increased.

“The results are undeniable. Families and businesses are fleeing New York in droves, voting with their feet because they simply can’t afford to stay. Our state leads the nation in outmigration and is on track to lose two or even three seats in Congress after the next census.

“One-party Democrat rule, led by Kathy Hochul, is to blame. Rather than easing the burden, Albany continues to raise taxes, grow government, and ignore the daily struggles of ordinary New Yorkers. No wonder Hochul’s reelection numbers are mired in the 30s.

“New York’s taxpayers deserve better. Republicans will continue fighting for lower taxes, smarter government, and a state where families and businesses can thrive.”

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