Credit City Council Member Laurie Cumbo (Fort Greene, Clinton, Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) for bringing the controversial proposed bill to charge residents a nickel a plastic bag before her constituents two days before the expected vote on it.
And at last night’s town forum on the issue at the Ingersoll Center Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue, she remained unclear if she’ll give the measure a thumbs up when it comes before the full City Council for approval.
“When I came into the council two years ago, this sounded like such a good idea to get 9 million plastic bags off the street and help the environment, but then I began hearing from some of my constituents on the street on how the charge is just another tax on the poor and working class. I’m genuinely torn,” said Cumbo.
Under the proposal, shoppers will get a 5 cent fee on plastic and paper bags distributed at retail, convenience, and grocery stores throughout the city. The fee will not be applied to purchases of restaurant meals, prescription drugs, and groceries bought with food stamps.
The City does not have the authority to impose a tax that goes in government coffers so the nickel per bag will go to the merchant.
Advocates for the bill argued how the plastic bags clog the landfills, and gum up the sewer systems. They noted the legislation at first was a dime a bag and was lowered to a nickel through compromises in the City Council. That they will do outreach to the low-income communities and distribute reusable cloth bags.
Detractors argued passionately that the nickel a bag was just another tax on the poor, and that local retailers shouldn’t get the extra money when it’s needed more in the community. Some said that felt the bill should be returned to committee and renegotiated.
Some assailed Cumbo for coming to the community two days before the vote. But the council member stood her ground, knowing whichever way she votes she’ll get some blowback in the district.
“I wanted to hear all of the concerns , solutions, advocacy so I can make the most informed decision Thursday on whether I will want to continue to support and vote for the bill,” she said.
