The Albany County Legislature votes to impose five-cent tax on every paper carryout bag in the county. The vote passed by a 23 to 14 margin, with all 9 Republican members of the legislature voting against the tax joined by 5 Democrats.
The Issue was taken up this week after it was first introduced in March. Action ended up being delayed because of the pandemic after initially being considered as a complement to the state ban on single-use plastic bags.
40% of the money collected will be earmarked for purchasing reusable bags, specifically for low-income Albany County residents. Many retailers have already been imposing their own five-cent fee on paper bags.