SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y., May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ahead of Tuesday's House Ways and Means Committee Hearing on the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT), Americans for Affordable Products (AAP), a national coalition of more than 500 small businesses, retailers and trade associations united to stop the BAT, announced the launch of its local campaign to educate lawmakers and citizens about the harmful effect the proposal will have on the state of New York.

AAP is calling upon New York's entire congressional delegation to oppose this ill-advised policy that will not only make everyday goods more expensive for New York residents, but it will make it even harder for job creators to do business in the state.  House Ways and Means Committee Member Tom Reed will play a critical role ensuring this bad policy never becomes law.

"As a local business owner in Geneva, every day it gets harder and harder to justify keeping my doors open in New York," said Valerie Pierce, owner of Quilty Pleasures. "We're hit with one tax or mandate after another – and the Border Adjustment Tax is another terrible idea that will only force me to raise prices, cut hours, or cut staff. I hope Congressman Tom Reed will support tax reform proposals that protect New York small businesses, and not hurt them like the Border Adjustment Tax will."

The BAT will increase the costs on everyday essentials that New Yorkers rely on, like food, clothing and medicine, by $1,700. It would have devastating consequences on the retail industry, which supports 42 million jobs in the United States. Some of the largest private sector employers in the Southern Tier are retailers and food stores, like Wegman's Food Markets.

"Here in the Finger Lakes, we need jobs and opportunity – not an increase in expenses and financial hardship," said Bria Finnerty, owner of Pedulla's Wine and Liquor. "The Border Adjustment Tax is not what we meant when we sent Representative Tom Reed to Washington with the goal of tax reform to help American businesses. This is bad policy that will have a negative impact on those that live and work in New York, and those that employ New Yorkers."

Americans for Affordable Products is a coalition of job creators, entrepreneurs, business leaders and consumers united against higher prices on everyday necessities. To learn more, please visit: www.KeepAmericaAffordable.com.

Additional Information:

• Press Release: AAP Grows to More Than 500 Strong
• Background: AAP Coalition Membership

To schedule an interview with an Americans for Affordable Products representative, please email press@KeepAmericaAffordable.com.

SOURCE Americans for Affordable Products

Related Links

http://www.KeepAmericaAffordable.com