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John J. Mills - District 13 March 11, 2009 LEGISLATURE MINORITY LEADER OPPOSES TAX ON PARTICIPATORY SPORTS (East Aurora, NY) - Erie County Legislator John J. Mills, 13th District, has spoken out against Governor Paterson's proposal to raise taxes on participatory sports in New York State. Opponents of Paterson's proposal believe that the tax unfairly discourages sports such as golf, skiing, bowling and tennis, which are activities that are enjoyed by families in New York State. "We should not discourage healthy family activities. Raising the cost of these activities makes it more difficult for individuals and families to enjoy the exercise that these activities provide," stated Legislator Mills. Mills feels that by establishing a tax on these activities and the establishments that house them, not only will the participants suffer, but the businesses and establishments where the sports are held will suffer financially as well. "This proposed tax would be detrimental to New York State, particularly Erie County," Mills said. "New York cannot tax its way to prosperity." Mills notes that increasing taxes on these activities will actually result in less revenue for the state and county because some people will be forced to abandon these activities altogether. Mills is also concerned that this tax would reduce state revenue brought in by athletic events and tournaments. In the past, tournaments such as the United States Bowling Championship Tournament have generated over $2.3 million in state revenue. The establishment of a tax on participatory sports would put New York State at a competitive disadvantage in attracting such events in the future. This will result in less events being held in New York State and the Buffalo area. Legislator Mills intends to seek immediate consideration of this item at this Thursday's full session of the Erie County Legislature. Legislator Mills hopes that his colleagues will support this resolution. Legislator Mills stated, "We need to send a strong message in a unified voice that these new taxes are bad for Erie County and bad for New York State." Back to District 13 Homepage