Albany County legislator proposes 4% clothing tax cut under $110

Proposal aims to provide price relief on basic necessities as costs rise

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A softly lit, cinematic painting of a clothing rack in a department store, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows enveloping the space, creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.As the cost of basic necessities continues to rise, a local lawmaker's proposal to cut clothing sales tax aims to provide some financial relief to residents.Albany Today

An Albany County legislator is calling for a local tax break on clothing and footwear purchases under $110. The proposal would remove Albany County's 4% portion of the sales tax on these items, which the legislator says would help people who need the money the most. However, the county legislature chair opposes the plan, stating it would leave a $7.5 million hole in the Albany County budget.

Why it matters

As the cost of living continues to rise, this proposal aims to provide some financial relief to Albany County residents on basic necessities like clothing. However, the potential budgetary impact has sparked debate over balancing constituent needs with fiscal responsibility.

The details

Albany County Legislator Mark Grimm is proposing to remove the county's 4% sales tax on clothing and footwear purchases under $110. New York state already exempts these items from the state sales tax portion. Grimm argues the local tax break would 'help people the most who need the money the most' by lowering prices on essential goods. However, Albany County Legislature Chair Joanne Cunningham opposes the plan, stating it would create a $7.5 million budget shortfall for the county.

  • The proposal was announced on April 2, 2026.

The players

Mark Grimm

An Albany County legislator who proposed the 4% clothing tax cut on items under $110.

Joanne Cunningham

The Albany County Legislature Chair who opposes Grimm's proposal, citing a $7.5 million budget hole it would create.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is the kind of thing would help people the most who need the money the most … at least with price relief.”

— Mark Grimm, Albany County Legislator

“The proposal reflects how expensive basic needs have become, including gas, clothing and groceries.”

— Joanne Cunningham, Albany County Legislature Chair

What’s next

The Albany County Legislature will need to debate and vote on Grimm's proposal in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the challenge of balancing constituent needs for affordable essentials with maintaining fiscal responsibility for local governments. As the cost of living rises, lawmakers must carefully weigh the tradeoffs between tax relief and budget impacts.