By Eileen Buckley
Albany, NY – Governor David Paterson unveiled his emergency spending bill Friday. Paterson's plan is expected to eliminate the State's $9.2 billion deficit.
The spending bill includes a cap on local property and school taxes. It also restores $300-million in school aid.
But the more controversial items in this bill include a 4% sales tax on clothing and shoes costing less than $110 and allowing wine sales in grocery stores.
Mark Notarius is owner of Premium Wine & Spirits. In past interviews with WBFO, Notarius has spokeen out against selling wine in supermarkets. He said it would hurt many other liquor retailers.
"Still wouldn't be good for us. The point of it is, it is never good when you are in an industry when where a 1,000 retail outlets would be forced to close their doors," said Notarius.
The Governor's bill is however a victory for SUNY and the University at Buffalo. If approved it would give SUNY the authority to increase tuition up to 8% annually.
It would also allow SUNY schools to join partnership's with private companies. U.B. said this would allow the Universtiy to grow its downtown campus.
The budget will will be considered by the Legislature on Monday. The clock is ticking once again toward another state budget show-down. Governor Paterson has given state lawmakers until Monday to agree on a spending plan that includes his spending cuts and taxes or shutdown government.
Paterson said he will continue to listen to suggestions from the Legislature until Monday, but noted that his proposed emergency extender will be submitted to the Legislature for an up or down vote.