NEW YORK (WBEN) - The New York State Budget gave counties the option to impose a five-cent fee on paper bags to coincide with the plastic bag ban that's set to begin in 2020.
Part of the money gained from the tax would help support local programs to buy reusable bags for low income families, while the majority goes to the state's environmental protection fund.
However, the Niagara County Legislature unanimously decided to not impose a five cent fee on paper bags when the state's plastic bag ban goes into effect next year.
“At a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, the last thing we need is another tax every time we head to the grocery store. I was proud to introduce this resolution and I will continue to stand up for taxpayers,” stated Legislator Jesse Gooch, R- Wheatfield / North Tonawanda.
Lawmakers say they rejected the five cent fee because New York is already one of the highest taxed states in the country, and imposing a new tax would place an additional financial burden on Niagara County families.
“The tax on paper carryout bags is more so a regressive move. It will wrongly penalize a recyclable good that can be easily processed at recovery facilities. The state-required fee will generate profits at the expense of shoppers, adversely impacting low-income individuals,” said Chairman of Legislature Keith McNall, R- Lockport.
"First off, it's not a tax on a paper bag," said Poloncarz. "It's only a tax if it's charged equally; it's not a tax - it would actually be a purchase price - no different than what Aldi, or ShopRite and those things do. Any accusation that it's a tax is just wrong, and if that's how Niagara County treating it, then they need to read the law because it's not a tax."
Poloncarz has recently stated that Erie County is undecided about the fee on paper bags.
We've reached out to both Niagara County legislators for further comment, and we have not received word back from them to this point.