NYC in Brief

NY Senators Unite to Oppose ‘Nuisance Taxes’  

New York state senators Reverend Ruben Diaz, Pedro Espada Jr., Martin Malave Dilan, Hiram Monserrate, and Jose M. Serrano reported on Wednesday that their united opposition of the new nuisance taxes resulted in the elimination of this proposal by Governor David Paterson.

The proposal included sales tax on digital property and downloads, gym memberships, entertainment, personal services, credit reporting, cable and satellite television, soft drinks, and coupons. It also called to limit the sales tax exemption of capital improvements and eliminate the clothing exemption.

The senators voiced concern that these taxes would increase the fiscal burden on working-class families. They have united to co-sponsor the Fair Share Personal Income Tax in the New York State Senate.

“We are united and will continue to insist that Governor Paterson institute a tax for the rich and no longer prey upon the families and individuals who struggle to make ends meet as residents of New York State,” stated Senator Diaz.

New York City Graded ‘F’ on AIDS Report Card

Over 400 AIDS activists gathered in Harlem on Wednesday to rally in response to the New York City and state report cards issued by the national coalition Campaign to End AIDS.

“We’re issuing New York grades because, ultimately, it is up to cities and states to implement the national AIDS strategy we are hoping to see from Obama. Our performance has been abysmal: New York is slashing AIDS services and HIV prevention funds,” said Eric Bartley, a member of the NYC chapter of the Campaign to End AIDS.

New York City received F’s for failing to expand housing for low-income residents living with HIV and for planning to cut funding from legal and case management services. A grade of D was issued for failing to provide adequate housing to the homeless living with HIV/AIDS and for proposing to cut funding from the HIV prevention and education programs.

New York State earned an A+ for its efforts to reform Medicaid and a B grade for an increase in public assistance. However, F’s were issued for proposing to cut job training and substance abuse services for low-income residents living with HIV/AIDS and for failing to cap rent for tenants in the supportive AIDS housing.

Campaign to End AIDS plans to issue a federal report card to President Obama next week, evaluating delivery on his campaign promise to create a national AIDS strategy.