By: Dave Detling
(ALBANY, N.Y.) Hair designers say in these tough economic times their clients are feeling the heat. They fear if Governor Paterson has his way things will only get worse.
“Asking them to pay $5 to $15 more is really going to affect all of us,” said Marcie Wood, hair designer.
Marcie Wood is hair designer at Rumors Hair Salon. She and other stylists are worried Paterson's Health and Beauty tax will scare away clients.
“I think people are trying to stretch the dollar so this is just one more thing that might deter them or make them go a bit longer between services. The last thing we'd want to do is raise the prices on something that's already considered a luxury to some,” said Kelly Leavitt, Rumors Hair Salon director.
The governor's proposed budget includes taxes aimed at a slew of services including message therapy.
Doctor Keith Nussbaum and his wellness practice would also be affected. He says clients already have a tough time paying their regular fees. Anymore would be a backbreaking blow.
“I think it's ridiculous. The poor patients, they have enough problems with paying their co-pays which are $25, $30, and $40 this year, so to put a tax on top of that it would definitely be detrimental in their coming in for treatment,” said Doctor Keith Nussbaum, Chiropractor.
It's a sentiment felt throughout the entire health and beauty industry, and barbers like Tracy Oppelt are taking action.
“Yeah, we have a petition and how it started, we're going to go to the local hair salons and workers sign the petition and then we're going to present it to the governor,” Oppelt said.
Stylists all across the state have until March 23rd to make their case. That's when the governor says he'd like a state budget put in place.
Source from capitalnews9.com
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