Spin Cycle
News, views and commentary on Long Island, state and national politics
Skelos calls utility surcharge a 'new tax,' rejects renewal
The state Legislature’s top Republican Tuesday called Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s proposal to extend a tax on utilities a “new tax” that hurts ratepayers and New York’s attempts to lure new businesses.
Senate co-leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said the tax, known as the “18-a” surcharge, was imposed on utilities in 2009 in the aftermath of the stock market meltdown and is slated to expire...
