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A Citizen’s Eye View of Public Preparedness

Tax-Free Preparedness Supplies Bill, Suggested By The Blog, Under Consideration By NY State Legislature To Mark 9/11, Katrina Anniversaries — Why Aren’t Other States Considering It?

September 9th, 2010 · 1 Comment

A bill which would create a ‘tax holiday’ for preparedness supplies including “Go-Bags”, which was suggested by this blog, is now under consideration by the New York State Legislature. I would like readers around the U.S. to consider asking their elected officials about introducing similar legislation in their states.

Under the New York bill, citizens would be able to buy emergency supplies without paying state sales tax between September 1st-11th and purchase pre-made “Go-Bags” tax free throughout the month. The bill would also declare September as “Emergency Preparedness Month” in New York. It was originally introduced by New York State Assemblyman Jonathan L. Bing as Bill A00783.

I had met with Assemblyman Bing’s staff to discuss emergency preparedness in his Manhattan district (where I live) as well as the State as a whole. I recommended that a tax free holiday on emergency supplies, which is being tried successfully by a couple states to increase public interest and action on preparedness, would be good for the Empire State. As Bing has long been involved in the issues of emergency preparedness and response, he thought a tax free period could have a significant impact on citizen preparedness, and decided to introduce legislation.

According to the proposed legislation, the tax-free period for supplies would run from September 1-September 11 commemorating the time between the anniversaries between Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. “Go-Bags” would be exempt all month but only if they met certain minimum requirements and were sold for $75 or less. Some of the individual emergency items would have similar price restrictions.

Storing supplies are just one step in becoming prepared, but getting people to take that initial step is crucial. In addition, a special tax holiday makes it more likely a) private businesses will add their marketing expertise and capacity to the preparedness effort and b) the media will provide coverage of the issue. Officials in Virginia and Florida, both of which recently implemented this idea, say results have been positive.

The bill has been introduced in the Assembly with twenty other sponsors as well as in the Senate. New Yorkers should contact your local legislators to encourage them to support the legislation. Those in other states should ask their elected officials to consider the idea.

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Tags: City Preparedness · Preparedness Ideas · Preparedness Incentives

1 response so far ↓

  • 1 Brian satcher // Sep 11, 2010 at 3:21 am

    I like your article and it’s really very helpful for tax payers. But when we want to get exact information then go from IRS web site.

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