Sean Hannity leaving New York?

Sean Hannity leaving New York?

The article starts:

In a radio interview last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) made some disparaging comments about pro-life conservatives, stating they had “no place in the state of New York because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”

Those remarks drew the ire of conservative talk show host Sean Hannity, who on his Monday radio program declared he had enough and was abandoning his home state, where he hosts his widely syndicated radio show and his high-rated Fox News Channel television program.

“Now I want to tell you something – I was born and raised in New York,” Hannity said. “I want you to know that and I can’t wait to get out of here. I really can’t. I don’t want to pay their 10-percent state tax anymore. I live in the second-highest property taxed county in the entire country in Nassau County. I can’t wait to sell my house to somebody who wants it. I can’t wait to pay no state income tax down in Florida or Texas. I haven’t decided yet, but I’m leaning Florida because I like the water and I like to fish.”

My thoughts:

1. Governor Cuomo, saying there is no place for people who disagree with him, is a lousy human being (and not a bright politician).

2. This shows that tax rates matter!  Hannity will likely get a $1 million per year raise by leaving New York.  The highest state tax rate is almost 9%, and New York City taxes another 3% of incomes. Just ask France about whether this can matter.

3. New York politicians shouldn't think that financial firms will stay in NYC regardless of tax policies.  There's no reason to think that Wall Street will remain a dominant financial center forever.  Why couldn't businesses choose to go to Florida instead?