CRACK TAX IS 'BIZARRE AND CONVOLUTED PLAN'

Among the many absurdities proposed by New York State Governor Eliot
Spitzer in his 2008-09 Executive Budget is a plan to tax illegal drugs
such as cocaine and marijuana. The governor is hoping to use the
revenue collected from drug dealers to help close the state budget
deficit.

Under his proposal, drug dealers would voluntarily purchase tax stamps
through the State Department of Taxation and Finance and affix them to
the drugs they sell.

It's absurd that Governor Spitzer is relying on the sale of illegal
drugs to balance the books in New York State. If the governor wants to
raise revenues from drug dealers then instead of advocating this
bizarre and convoluted plan, he should work with the legislature to
increase the fines and penalties imposed on dealers when they are convicted.

The governor's so-called "crack tax" proposal also provides a
confidentiality clause to protect drug dealers. Under his plan, drug
dealers who pay the tax would not be turned over to the police by
state tax officials.

The governor needs to refocus his attention to real proposals that
will save taxpayers money, provide students with a quality education
and protect our citizens, not put them in further danger.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.