Folks, if you live in the state of New York and have cell phone service, please read your bill.  Unbeknownst to a lot of you, the state is taxing you like crazy, depending on the phone plan that you currently have.

A typical New Yorker’s cell phone bill has eleven – yes, eleven!! – surcharges which can add up to 33% to the total amount of the bill monthly.  A good example is that if you pay $49.99 for your cell plan, after $10.59 in levies assessed, your total bill comes to $60.58.  If you have a T-Mobile Basic plan with300 minutes – which is typically $29.99/month- the state tacks on an additional $6.95 in taxes, for a total of $36.94/month.

If you’re one of those who have a family plan, you get hit even harder.  Here’s yet another example.  If you have 2 lines through Sprint at $69.95/month, expect an additional $15.73 to be added to your bill, for a grand total of $85.68 – a rate of 24.25%. 

Unfortunately, a lot of people do not read their bills – they just pay them up and move on.  And that’s exactly what elected officials want you to do.  That gives you a reason to contact your GOP lawmaker in the part of New York state that you reside in and voice your complaints. 

This is also something that you can voice your opinion about on the 15th – the day of the national tea parties.  Take some time during your day on the 15th and attend a tea party at a location near you.  If you haven’t figured it out already, this money/power grab is the handiwork of the Paterson administration up in Albany.  There’s also elections up there in 2010, including the governor’s seat, along with House and Senate seats.

Become proactive and get involved, whether it is through the tea parties or possibly volunteering for a GOP House/Senate/Governor campaign.  Doesn’t matter which of them you choose to participate in – just get involved!!  And most importantly – vote.  If you choose to simply sit on your ass and do nothing, you’ll get much of the same, much like you are right now.  Your and your family’s future depends on your participation.

Image: N.Y. Post