The Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus has introduced a resolution opposing the imposition of a tax on the use of paper bags following the State Legislature’s ban on single-use plastic bags in New York State.

The plastic bag ban, which will go into effect next year, also allows counties to “opt-in” to a five-cent fee on the use of paper bags. The Monroe County Executive, Cheryl Dinolfo, recently stated she would not implement the tax and the Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus is pushing for Erie County to follow suit. County Executive Poloncarz recently told WBEN he is undecided on whether or not he supports the tax. 

Legislator Dixon said, “This tax would hurt the many people of Erie County who are already working hard to make ends meet. Instead of imposing an additional tax for the use of paper bags, we should encourage voluntary participation in the use of re-usable bags and recycling efforts.”

Legislator Lorigo said, “This fee is just another out of touch money-grabbing tax attempt by our New York State ‘leaders’ in Albany.  I don’t think any of them have ever seen a penny they don’t want to take from hard-working New York State taxpayers.  The decision to opt in to this tax comes from the Legislature, and this Legislator will be voting ‘No’.

Legislator Mills said, “My colleagues and I agree that this tax is unnecessary and will hurt all residents of Erie County. Now is not the time to push additional taxes and fees on Erie County residents.”

Legislator Rath said, “New York State and Erie County taxpayers shouldn’t have to shoulder the cost of fees associated with paper bags now that the plastic bag ban will go into effect. We are hopeful the County Executive will stand with hard-working Erie County residents and reject this tax.”