USPS First Class Stamp is now 82¢
As a friendly reminder, Forever Stamp first class rate will be increased by 4¢ from 78¢ set exactly a year before.
Affordability
S8623 passed Albany legislature: Anti-Business
Summary of the law: Prohibits the use of surveillance pricing, directly or indirectly; prohibits the collection, use, retention, or sharing of data to facilitate surveillance pricing; provides exceptions; provides for enforcement by the attorney general. Business reward programs could be jeopardized! What happens if it is the government? All those discounts for early payment or … Read more
SNAP and Obamacare
Instead of suing the federal government to change the rules, why not check and ask recipients how they are doing? At the minimum, we would they have a real world case-by-case check on waste, fraud, and rule changes for those where the new rules will not work.
Who will tackle the real estate tax unfairness?
Everyone knows that New York City real estate tax system unfair. Politicians make noise, but no action. NYC’s Furman Center provided another study reporting owners of rent stabilized buildings are hit the hardest.
Trash Bin postponement and 2 trash bin notices
We were told that the purchase of the “Official NYC Trash Bin” has been postponed. Yet this mailer says I am required to use the new bin starting from June 1! Would it not make sense to send out the mailing in July or August. Also, why am I getting two copies of the mailer? … Read more
$100,000 for hotel housekeeping?!
I understand and appreciate the value of labor. But how will hotel owners respond? Will guests leave $5 tips knowing HTC housekeepers are paid much better than salary of paying guests? My wife has worked in a specialty industry for over a decade. Her starting salary including commission was less than $27.91 per hour. 10 … Read more
What I did to get NYC Trash Bin Reimbursement
Update: Enforcement delayed until September 7, 2026. June 1, 2026 is the deadline to require homeowners to start using the single-source City approved Otto trash bin at 25-gallon to 45-gallon size. It’s heavy compared to the cheaper $5 20-gallon bins that many households use. I tried ordering it online via Home Depot, but was told … Read more
Tax Burden Ranking per WalletHub
New York State ranks highest in taxing residents (1) property (2) income and (3) sales after Hawaii and before Vermont on a cumulative rate basis. Based on 2024 Presidential Election results, Democratic States have a total rate that is nearly double that of Republican states. Affordability and political parties.
A new website tracking affordability bills in Albany
Launched by the Business Council of New York State. It’s a beginning. Government is at the center of the affordability debate depending on its action and policies.
Tax the Rich starting with those making over $500,000!
New York State income tax rate when combined with New York City is already nearly 14%. If DSA gets its way, expect taxation to double for higher income brackets. Here are some legislations being pushed in Albany. The federal income tax rate is already near 35% for those making $500,000 or more, which means 50% … Read more