Governor proposes "beauty taxes"

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - If state leaders have their way, you may soon pay more for that next hair cut or massage.

Hair stylists say their clients are definitely feeling the economic pinch. They fear that it will only get worse if Governor David Paterson gets his way.

John Paul Lauricella (Capello Salons) said, "People are used to paying a price with no tax, and if you throw in a tax on top of that, it would deter them from coming as often as they do."

The governor's proposed budget includes taxes aimed at a slew of services including sales taxes on hair cuts.

Lauricella said, "Another tax, our New York State residents are overtaxed as it is."

Currently, only New York City imposes such sales taxes.

Massage therapists, including Fran Weir, would also be affected.

Weir said, "I'm a small one person business and to become a tax collector, it adds one more layer of difficulty."

Doctor David Kurss runs the Women's Wellness Center. He says most people seek massage for pain relief, rarely covered by health insurance.

Dr. Kurss said, "It's not a luxury item. People go to chiropractors, massage therapists because they need help with their health."

"To put an extra financial burden to impede patients easy access to providers is misguided."

The governor unveiled his proposal in December.

This week, legislators are meeting in Albany to discuss it.

Back at Capello's, clients don't like what they are hearing, and hope lawmakers hear their concerns.

Concerned taxpayer Jennifer Cox said, "It just seems like New York is so heavily taxed already, why more?"

Lauricella said, "This is not good for service industry, period."

The proposed tax is part of the govenor's plan to reduce a record 13.7 billion dollar budget deficit. Legislators can modify the proposal before enacting it into law.

Some of the tax actions on the table might even be eliminated as a result of the federal aid package.