Albany, N.Y. (WBEN) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to ban the use of single-use plastic bags at stores across New York and add a 5-cent deposit to most non-alcoholic beverages not already included in the state's bottle bill.
The Democrat included the initiatives in the $178 billion state budget proposal he presented to lawmakers on Tuesday in Albany.
Cuomo's effort to get a plastic bag ban passed last year was shot down by the then-Republican-controlled Senate.
His bottle bill expansion would include sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit and vegetable beverages, and ready-to-drink bottled tea and coffee. Products such as dairy milk and infant formula would be exempted.
The Democrat released the broad outline of his proposal on Tuesday as part of his state budget recommendation. The plan lacked critical details, however, such as what the toll would be and whether discounts would be offered to low-income commuters or local businesses.
The toll would be levied on vehicles heading below 60th Street.
Revenue from the surcharge would fund improvements to the city's beleaguered subways. Supporters say the toll would also reduce gridlock in the nation's largest city.
It would be up to lawmakers to approve the toll. Cuomo's budget proposal includes funding to install the necessary electronic tolling equipment.
Additionally, Cuomo says New York should legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21, a step which he says would raise an estimated $300 million in tax revenues each year.
The Democratic governor unveiled his proposal on Tuesday during his State of the State address to lawmakers.
Cuomo wants to permit personal use as well as retail sales. Marijuana would be subject to taxes at the cultivation and wholesale level as well as a 20 percent tax on retail sales.
Cuomo says he wants to let cities and counties prohibit retail pot shops within their boundaries if they choose.
Cuomo included his proposal in his state budget recommendation, meaning lawmakers could act before April 1.