Should These 10 Things Be Free in New York?

We asked people around New York what they think should be free, and these were some of the most popular answers. The question is: should they be free?

Things That Are Not Free

Like anywhere in the United States, very little of course is free. Parking, public transit, housing, rent, utilities, health care, and the general cost of living varies throughout the state. It is VERY different when it comes to New York City's costs versus the rest of the EMpire State: Western New York, The Finger Lakes, Central New York, The Captial Region, Southern Tier, and North Country are all much less expensive. Still, they have the same kind of fees and taxes.

Nothing Can Be Free, But Where Does It Go?

It's understood that fees and taxes support programs to better our communities and lives. The problem is that many New Yorkers have a hard time seeing where those improvements are happening with that money. Take, for example, roads throughout the state. Due to the winter weather, plows, and road salting, they are commonly filled with potholes that, depending on your community, sometimes sit there for a very long time. Many have wondered for years where funds from the New York lottery go, which were originally set up to support schools in the State, which commonly have budgeting issues and have to raise taxes. These simple examples quickly cause people to question, and doubt, the system.

High Taxes

New York State is one of the highest-taxed in all of the United States. From property taxes to sales tax, it's a lot for people to shoulder. New York City is in a category of it's own as not only are the taxes high, but so are the cots of, well everything. For the rest of the state, however, the good news is the cost of living is much lower than in other parts of the country. The bad news is economic growth has been on a continued decline for decades, with cities in New York State seeing huge losses in jobs and thus population. While taxes can be a good thing in providing services, schools, protection, and many other things, it's a hard sell to many New Yorkers who have seen a lot of corruption in State government. Add mixed feelings about how the high tax dollars are spent and it's always a sour conversation to have with people living here.

 What do you New Yorkers Want to be Free of Charge?

We asked people on Facebook and in the public what they felt should be free of charge, and these were some of the most popular answers.

Should These 10 Things Be Free in New York?

Some of these are very practical. Some are very complicated. The list provides ideas, but not answers, we admit. So, what do you think should be free, and why? How would you pay for it? Is there any chance any of these things ever become free?