Yesterday, in comments to WBEN, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tried to argue that the proposed paper bag fee on Erie County residents isn’t a tax (WBEN- Several Counties Already Rejecting Paper Bag Fee).

Recently, New York State lawmakers agreed to impose a statewide ban on most types of single-use plastic bags from retail sales. The plan also had language that allows counties to opt-in to a 5-cent tax on paper bags.

Counties across New York State have begun passing resolutions or making public statements opposing the 5-cent tax on paper bags, including neighboring counties like Niagara, Monroe and Livingston.

On April 2, 2019, Legislator Dixon introduced a resolution to the Erie County Legislature opposing the tax on the use of paper bags, the resolution can be found here. The item has been held in the Government Affairs committee by committee Chairman Kevin Hardwick.

“Politicians like County Executive Poloncarz are often truth-challenged. Trying to explain how a bag fee on county residents isn’t a tax on county residents is contrary to reason and insulting. Logic like his is why we’re continually facing some of the highest taxes in the country,” said Legislator Dixon.

“In early April, I introduced legislation that would put Erie County on record opposing the tax, to date it’s been buried in committee by the current majority, and I plan to move it for approval at our session next Thursday. We need to go on record opposing this tax.”

“Mark Poloncarz can call it whatever he wants, a tax, a fee, but ultimately it’s just government trying to find another way to take your money,” concluded Dixon.

Legislator Dixon will move (for approval) her resolution opposing the new tax on paper bags at next week's meeting of the full Legislature.  The meeting will take place at 2pm, Thursday, April 18th in the Legislature's Chambers in Old County Hall, 4th floor, 92 Franklin Street.