New York Governor David Paterson and leaders in the State Legislature have finalized a 2009 budget that does not include a five percent tax on boats over $200,000 that was included in the Governor's original budget proposal. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and its allies aggressively opposed the creation of the tax in discussions with New York lawmakers. NMMA and dealer associations throughout the state also organized a letter-writing campaign, facilitating hundreds of emails to Governor Paterson from concerned boaters and marine businesses.
"We're pleased that the legislature and the Governor realized that this boat tax would not only fail to bring in revenue, but would significantly damage many marine businesses," said David Dickerson, NMMA director of state government relations.
NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.
