Today's New York Post ran an opinion piece today by Tom Golisano on why he is leaving New York State. He states in the article:
"Politicians like to talk about incentives -- for businesses to relocate, for example, or to get folks to buy local. After reviewing the new budget, I have identified the most compelling incentive of all: a major tax break immedi ately available to all New Yorkers. To be eligible, you need do only one thing: move out of New York state."
When Rush Limbaugh announced in March of this year that he was moving all of his business operations out of New York State afer Governor Paterson raised taxes, Governor Paterson replied by saying, "If I knew that would be the result, I would've thought about the taxes earlier." (according to the New York Times). This is the political equivalent of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Rush, unfortunately, may be the leader of what may become an exodus out of the state by people who are able to relocate their businesses and business interests. This will lower tax revenues rather than increasing them.
According to his calculations, Mr. Golisano will save $13,800 every day by moving to Florida. This is money that he can invest to create jobs, spend to help charities, invest for his or his family's future, or use in any way he sees fit. He earned it; he should have the right to spend it.
We need to pay attention to incidents like this one--raising taxes does not increase government revenues or create wealth. Raising taxes puts a drag on any economy and slows down or prevents growth. Raising taxes at the national level will have the same negative effect on the nation's economy.
Leave a comment