Tools

Governor Says He'd Give Blessing To Sales Tax Hike

Story Published: Feb 5, 2013 at 6:14 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 5, 2013 at 8:19 PM EDT

Governor Andrew Cuomo says he will support raising the sales tax in St. Lawrence County if, and only if, the state Legislature gives its approval.

Cuomo visited Clarkson University Tuesday to discuss his budget plan.

During his time in Potsdam, he was asked about the county's proposal to raise its sales tax rate.

The rate hike needs approval from the state Legislature.

However, it has been blocked by state lawmakers who have refused to sponsor the necessary home rule legislation in the Senate.

Cuomo said he would sign home rule legislation into law if the state Legislature approves it.

"I respect the local legislators and so if it's passed, I'll sign it," he said.

The governor was greeted at the university by two protestors who disagree with the state's tough new gun control law.

The demonstrators carried signs saying the law violates their Second Amendment rights.

"We need to support our Second Amendment rights, our right to bear arms and he infringed that," said demonstrator Mary Jay.

Cuomo said the state needed to take swift action to protect innocent people from gun-related crimes.

"This is keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill," said Cuomo.

The governor also sayid it's time for the state to break down barriers that have held back women from achieving equality, including eliminating the pay disparity between men and women and protecting victims of domestic violence by tightening order of protection laws.
 
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
, Watertown, NY

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On TonightFull Schedule

On Wall Street