By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-806278.mp3
Buffalo, NY – After saying higher taxes are counterproductive, Governor David Paterson will introduce a budget that does raise some taxes and fees. Paterson's 2009-10 budget proposal to the Legislature is scheduled for release Tuesday morning. He's introducing the budget a month early to give lawmakers enough time to deal with deficits he projects will total $47 billion over three years.
Governor Paterson won't seek to raise income taxes rates. But a spokesman says he will raise revenue by eliminating legal exemptions in the income tax that he considers "loop holes." And he will offer further adjustments to make sure all taxpayers are paying their fair share.
Monday, a coalition of non-profit groups in the state said increasing taxes on wealthy New Yorkers should be part of the solution. Karen Schimke is director of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy. She's a former Erie County Social Services Commissioner. Schimke says her group makes no apologies for suggesting a tax increase.
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