When I moved here from Minnesota, I knew New York was going to be expensive. Little did I know the tax rate in Buffalo would be 8.75 percent. Coming from a state that has no sales tax on clothes, groceries, and food, this came as quite a shock to me.
I love to shop; it’s one of my favorite things do. However, I’m used to seeing a shirt for $19.99 and actually paying $19.99, not $21.99. As a college student this is so outrageous. My budget has completely been flipped, and adjusting to this whole new expense is difficult. Grocery shopping is now a battle for me because I know that I could buy another 12-pack of pop with the money I spend on taxes. When I go out to eat at a restaurant I am so baffled by the bill; I might as well double the tax and leave that as the tip.
I commend Erie County for putting up with an outrageous sales tax, but something needs to be done. Sales tax money can be a great source of revenue for state, but instead of having an almost 9% sales tax, I believe the state should cut it in half. I realize this isn’t a perfect world and if we cut the sales tax we would have to raise the price in something else. My solution would be to raise the “sin tax.” This means raising the tax on cigarettes and alcohol. I know college students do both of these things too, but I believe you have to give a little to get a little. This can be just as effective for the state to earn money, but can really help college students out.
For now, I will keep battling at the grocery store, and fight my way to keep shopping. I’m going to try and not let this sales tax beat me… and my wallet.
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