The governor's proposed budget for the fiscal year 2001-2002 would impose a fee on water suppliers of $3 per year for each service connection. Statewide this would raise about $13.5 million. For those using more than a million gallons a year, there will be a flat charge of $250 per year, which will generate approximately $22.5 million. These fees are in reality a tax on water to be collected by your Water District along with other suppliers and paid to the state.

Four years ago, the state legislature defeated a proposed water tax and residents are called on now to help defeat this bad and very unwise move. A tax on water amounting to about 1.5 percent is regressive and falls upon those least able to afford it.

A tax on drinking water is a tax on the very basic necessities of life. New York State voters have approved a $2 billion dollar Clean Water-Clean Air Environmental Bond Act to protect and improve the quality of our drinking water. Public policy must dictate not taxing the essentials of life.

You are urged to write, phone, fax or e-mail the following key lawmakers.

Governor George E. Pataki, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224, e-mail: gov.pataki@chamber.state.ny.us.

Honorable Joseph L. Bruno, NYS Senate Majority Leader, Room 909-LOB, Albany, New York 12247; Phone: (518) 455-3191; Fax: (518) 455-2448, e-mail: BRUNO@senate.state.ny.us.

Honorable Sheldon Silver, NYS Assembly Speaker, room 932-LOB, Albany, New York 12248; Phone: (518) 455-3791; Fax: (518) 455-5459, e-mail: speaker@assembly.state.ny.us.

A. Jack Russo

William A. Trottier

Michael J. Kosinski

Roslyn Water District Commissioners