State Senator April Baskin to introduce Cheektowaga bed tax bill in Albany
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- State Senator April Baskin is planning to introduce a bill for a hotel bed tax in Cheektowaga next week with support from Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak and Assemblymember Patrick Chludzinski, she said in a release.
Baskin said the aim of the bill is to reduce sizable bond debt and possible property tax increases, and to limit future borrowing. The 17 hotels in the town will be impacted if the bill is signed into law.
"If we don't get this money-saving bill done next month, Cheektowaga taxpayers will be faced with even more financial hardship," she said. "Town costs are escalating each year, so a practical approach is a necessity, rather than the reckless practice of dipping into rainy day funds and buying high interest bonds."
Baskin highlighted the importance of the amount of hotels and their proximity to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. In addition to debt relief, the tax would also go towards town vehicles and municipal buildings in need of repair, such as snow plows and the senior center, Baskin said.
The bill is expected to be introduced next week with three weeks left in session in Albany.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.