Assemblywoman Addie Russell - St. Lawrence sales tax bill signed by the Governor

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D - Theresa) announced that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed her bill A.4761 which allows St. Lawrence County to adopt a local law to increase the county sales tax an additional one percent above the current three percent rate.

“The Board of Legislators has requested this home rule legislation and I am pleased that it was passed by both houses and signed by the Governor. When it comes to home rule requests from local government, state government should respect the needs and financial challenges they face,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “If the Board of Legislators enacts the increase, it should allow for more balanced revenue, providing relief to property tax payers,” she stated.

This authorization provides St. Lawrence County with the authority that nearly every other county in the state enjoys.  Most counties in New York State have been able to increase their sales tax rate beyond three percent.  The bill authorizes the county to adopt an increase for two years, and then must be re-approved by the state.  The bill’s main sponsor in the Senate (S.5014) is Senator Patricia Ritchie.   

-30-