Marriage Equality Means Business for New York
Weddings are big business with far reaching consequences for employment and our economy. New York State Senate Democrats estimate that marriage equality would bring in over $50 million a year in new revenue from a combination of marriage license fees and tourism. This is substantiated by a 2007 report from the New York City Comptroller that estimated that, in the first three years after legalization, New York State’s economy would experience a net benefit of $210 million. Even during a recession, New York’s economy stands to gain $178 million over a three year period
New York Couples Leave the State To Marry
In March, 2009, The Williams Institute estimated that 18,966 New York same-sex couples would travel to Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Vermont to marry, taking some if not all of their wedding business with them. In 2008, a Massachusetts government study estimated that 21,321 New York couples would travel there to marry.
Weddings Generate Needed Revenue
Some weddings cost over $100,000, and guests stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and take a taxi to see a show. Just one wedding can use the services of a wedding consultant, bridal shop, tuxedo rental, stationer, limo driver, florist, marriage officiant, musicians, caterer, jeweler, banquet hall, and photographer. A garden wedding employs gardeners and party rentals for dishes, tables, chairs, tent and a dance floor. Bridal showers employ caterers, restaurants and liquor stores. Brides, bridesmaids and guests get their hair done, and may get facials or manicures. Gifts are purchased for the wedding party.
The Misguided Vote in the State Senate
On December 2, 2009, the New York State Senate voted 38 to 24 to refuse same-sex couples equal rights by preventing them from marrying. This step away from equality also denied vital revenue to the thousands of businesses sustained by weddings and honeymoons and the many thousands of people those businesses employ. In this time of financial crisis, with New York’s credit rating at risk, we are losing needed tax revenues. Fees and taxes on fifty million dollars a year in new revenues for New York businesses would pay a lot of teachers each year.
Gay and lesbian couples now go to other states and Canada for their weddings and honeymoons. Let’s keep their wedding business where it belongs … right here in New York! It just makes good business sense.
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Tell the New York State Senate to Support New York Business by Voting for Marriage Equality.
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| Please forward this message to other wedding-related businesses losing revenue because of marriage inequality. |
| Thank you! Rob Lassegue Program Director, Marriage Equality New York |
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