Senator Maziarz: new TV tax is dead on arrival

In February, Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) introduced a bill (S.3827) that would impose a 5% excise tax on satellite television services—a tax that would be passed on directly to subscribers.

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane), Chairman of the New York State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, today said that this downstate senator’s attempt to levy a new tax on customers of DIRECTV, DISH Network, and similar services is dead on arrival.

“This is a blatant attempt to enrich the state’s coffers by taking more money out of consumers’ wallets,” Senator Maziarz said.  “I will use all my influence as Energy and Telecommunications Chairman to make sure the TV tax is defeated.”

“The cost of living and doing business here in New York is high enough,” Senator Maziarz added.  “We are fighting hard in the budget process to avoid any new taxes and fees, and then this proposal comes along and flies in the face of that goal.  I think the sponsor is in for a rude awakening if he thinks this bill is going to be seriously considered.”

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