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New York State Says Yes! For Jazz
NEW YORK STATE SAYS YES! FOR JAZZ
On Thursday, July 27, 2006 Governor George Pataki signed legislation eliminating the sales tax on admission to live performances in Jazz Clubs. Admission to such performances will now be treated the same as admission to theatre, opera, ballet and concert performances, the tax on which was eliminated in the 1960´s.
The legislation was passed after a two-year effort by Local 802 and the Local 802 Jazz Advisory Committee. It was supported by the major Jazz Clubs both in New York City and Upstate New York. Since the 1960´s a portion of the former tax money from admission to Broadway Theatres has been used for musicians´ pension benefits. In the coming months we will work with the club owners and seek to accomplish the same thing for New York’s Jazz artists.
The success of this legislative effort represents the first time in recent memory that the NYS government has recognized Jazz performances in our city's smaller venues as an important part of the cultural and economic life of our city and state. They are properly affording this art form the same status as theatre, opera, ballet and concert hall performances.
We want to thank Assemblyman Herman "Denny" Farrell Jr. (D-Manhattan) and State Senator George Maziarz (R- Buffalo) who introduced the legislation and saw it through the legislative process. We also extend a special thanks to Hank Jones, Jimmy Owens, Slide Hampton, Skip Jackson and Tony Jefferson who performed what may have been the first ever Jazz concert in the halls of the NYS legislature in support of the legislation. If anything convinced our elected officials that live Jazz deserved their support, it was that performance.
For musicians who regularly work in the clubs and are already vested in the American Federation of Musicians & Employers Pension Fund, contributions to the fund from this club work can mean a substantial increase in pension benefits. For those who are not vested, the contributions will help insure that vesting is achieved. (If you are not certain of your vesting status or have questions about the Fund, please don’t hesitate to call us.)
We believe this tax relief legislation is a win for jazz musicians, for the clubs and for jazz fans. As we work towards an agreement that will allow the funds to be utilized for musicians´ benefits we will need your continued support. We will keep in touch as we work through this process.
Sincerely,
Bill Dennison,, Recording Vice President
Bob Cranshaw and Essie Hayes, Jazz Representatives
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