This statement was just e-mailed to us from Bertha Lewis Founder and President of The Black Institute regarding NYS Senate’s appeal of NYC Council ‘Bag Bill’:
On May 5th, 2016, we posted a story from Crains New York reports that the City Council voted 28-20 … to compel stores to charge 5 cents for plastic and paper bags, with some exceptions. When signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, who supports the measure, it would take effect Oct. 1.
Ms. Lewis response was:
“”…The City Council’s ‘bag bill’ is a regressive tax that will dis-proportionally impact low-income New Yorkers, people of color and senior citizens. The only ones benefitting from this bill are business owners; this is not progressive for our City.
Related: Council Passes Bill To Charge Shoppers From Harlem To Hollis 5 Cents For Plastic Bags.
For over a year, we have aimed to have communities of color included in the discussion surrounding this issue, but the City has refused to listen. I would like to thank the State Senate for recognizing the holes in this piece of legislation and taking action for those who are most directly impacted by this tax…”
What do you think, is Ms. Lewis on the right track?.
