New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the state’s revenue budget bill that included an amendment to the state’s tax code regarding the sale of food and beverages through vending machines. The bill, which passed both chambers of general assembly on Monday, March 31, increases the state’s tax exemption for vending to $1.50.
The New York State Automatic Vending Association (NYSAVA) leadership and members played an active role in getting the exemption implemented into law. The exemption passed as stand-alone bills in both the Senate and assembly before being vetoed by the governor at the conclusion of previous legislative sessions before its eventual passage in the current budget plan.
Brian Gill, NYSAVA president, commended the efforts of the bill’s sponsors in helping to bring the exemption into fruition.
“The New York State Automated Vending Association sincerely thanks Senator Tom Libous and Assemblyman Bill Magee for their strong support and hard work on this issue and the governor for agreeing with the legislature on this vital issue for the vending industry in New York state,” Gill said in a prepared statement. “This increase in the sales tax exemption will allow our industry to compete effectively and will help us develop and promote new and healthier vending products. It will go a long way to promote New York food products to the millions who visit New York annually. As an industry, we will support and promote the Taste N.Y. Program –a wonderful festival showcasing New York’s home grown products and services,” he continued.
“The passage of this exemption represents a significant accomplishment for the New York vending industry and the industry at large,” said Sheree Edwards, NAMA legislative director. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of the exemption being signed into law, especially since it could not have happened without the unequivocal dedication of NYSAVA from start to finish. Their efforts are true examples of advocacy in action,” she said.
Eric Dell, NAMA's senior vice president of government affairs echoed Edwards’ sentiment. “NAMA is proud of the work of NYSAVA in rallying around this issue because it will provide much needed tax relief for operators and their customers throughout the state, and can translate into savings and positive growth for the state’s industry,” he said. “We look forward to supporting NYSAVA’s leadership in any way that we can so that they may continue to accomplish legislative goals like this in the years ahead,” Dell concluded.
