New York Governor David Paterson has proposed budget legislation that could triple the local Gross Receipts taxes, and the Assembly proposal would impose a sales tax on ‘utility delivery charges’ that would range from 4%, to upwards of 11%. The rate, of course, would change depending on local tax rates. The tax boost is added to the existing 2% energy tax assessment imposed in New York in 2009.

On the coattails of the potential energy tax hike, presidential adviser Paul Volcker supported the notion of raising taxes in the US in the wake of steep budget deficits. In remarks at the New York Historical Society, Volcker stated ?If…we need to raise taxes, we should raise taxes,? adding that a tax on carbon or energy use might be required to lower the deficit.

The nearly 20 million New Yorkers affected by the energy tax will likely oppose the turning tides, as evidenced by the aggressive call to action for voters to refute the energy tax efforts. The ambitious VoterVoice.net website is rallying citizens of NY to send a message (literally) to their state representatives through their online portal, found here.