Already squeezed by an economy that has left some Queens residents jobless, or at least concerned about being able to afford holiday presents, consumers were not pleased with Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to tax a wide range of personal services, from hair cuts to trips to the gym.
“It’s ridiculous that I could have to pay more just because my hair has grown and I don’t want to look shaggy,” Bayside resident Kimberly Williams said outside of SuperCuts on Bell Boulevard.
Forest Hills resident Ann Fernandez said she frequently goes to Spectrym, a spa on Austin Street, but would consider curbing her trips if she had to fork over more money in taxes.
“You don’t want to hurt the little businesses, the independently owned business, and that’s what this would do,” Fernandez said.
In an attempt to close a $13.7 billion budget deficit, Paterson proposed plans to increase taxes and fees for such places as salons, barbershops, gyms and any store that offers massages.
— Anna Gustafson
