The Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus, led by Legislator John J. Mills, R-Orchard Park, once again took a strong stand against an unfair New York State fee increase to save taxpayers from having to pay more for Albany’s dysfunction. 

During the March 17, 2011 Legislative Session the six-member Minority Caucus, including Legislators Lynne Dixon, Hamburg; Dino Fudoli, Lancaster; Kevin Hardwick, Tonawanda, Edward Rath III, Amherst; Ray Walter, Clarence; and Mills, sponsored a resolution that opposes the New York State $1 surcharge paid by dog owners, who spay or neuter their dogs, when they apply for a dog license.

“New York State leaders continue to impose unfair fees onto residents, going as far as to collect a surcharge on pet owners who spay or neuter their dogs. Not only is this unfair, it is ridiculous and counterproductive,” Minority Leader Mills said. “By charging owners, who responsibly spay or neuter and register their pet, an additional $1 fee we are encouraging less owners to get a license.”

His colleagues echoed his sentiments. Legislator Rath added, “This is another example of failed leadership from Albany. First New York State turns the dog licensing process over to municipalities in 2010. Now one year later they impose another excessive fee on our communities. These predatory practices must stop.”

“New York State doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. I believe all local municipalities need to take action such as this and let New York State Legislators know that unfair fees and taxes are not acceptable,” Legislator Walter said. “We need to send a message on behalf of the taxpayers because that’s who we represent.”

“If pet owners have to pay more each time they get a license for their dog they are going to stop doing it, which can be a health risk to our community. The dog license charge already includes a surcharge paid by owners who choose to keep their dog intact so what is the purpose of this new surcharge,” Legislator Hardwick added.

This was the second action opposing state fees taken by the Minority Caucus in recent weeks. Earlier in March the Minority Caucus submitted a resolution opposing the once-proposed bicycle fee increase, which has since been removed from consideration by the NYS Assembly. The Minority Caucus’s resolution against the bicycle fee increase was also approved unanimously at the March 17 Legislative Session.

“These are just a few examples of the unfair fees proposed or added to the already high taxes we pay in New York State. Charging these pet owners an extra $1 is unreasonable. I was proud to cosponsor this resolution because Albany needs to get the message on how taxpayers feel about continuously raiding their wallets,” Legislator Dixon added.

“I just don’t understand how our state leaders can create and impose these new fees,” Legislator Fudoli said. “It is absurd that anyone would create new fees for responsible pet owners or bicycle owners. This is nothing but New York State passing the buck onto its overtaxed residents.”

In addition, surcharges are disincentives to obtaining a dog license, which increases the risk of vector-borne diseases because pet owners are required to have their dog vaccinated for rabies in order to receive the license.

The resolution was approved unanimously and a certified copy will be forwarded to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and the local delegation to the New York State Legislature.