Politics on the Hudson

The Senate Independent Democratic Conference issued a report today that says establishing a same-sex marriage law would generate some $391 million in increased economic activity, revenue and savings in the three years after it became law. It estimates that 21,309 gay and lesbian couples from New York would marry during that time as well as 3,308 couples from nearby states that don’t allow same-sex marriage and 41,907 non-New York gay and lesbian couples who would have “destination weddings” in New York.

The four-member caucus is united in supporting gay marriage, said Sen. Diane Savino, D-Staten Island, “because there is no legal argument against it, there is no moral argument against it, there is no ethical argument against it.”

She said the conference’s new report refutes arguments that same-sex marriage would cost the state more during difficult fiscal times.

This is how the revenue estimates, which total $310.6 million, break down:
—Wedding revenue and tourism, $283.8 million
—Marriage license fees, $3.8 million
—Sales tax, $22.7 million
—New York City hotel-occupancy tax, $259,669.

Ross Levi, head of the Empire State Pride Agenda, and Assemblyman Matthew Titone, D-Staten Island, said it’s important to appeal to people’s wallets in making the argument for gay marriage. Titone, who is gay, lives with his partner of 18 years.

Sen. David Carlucci, R-Clarkstown, Rockland County, said he believes the estimates in the report are low. He is the former town clerk of Clarkstown. ”The numbers make it clear. This is not only the right thing to do morally, it also makes sense,” he said.

While opponents of same-sex marriage have said legalizing it would increase the cost of services for the state, the report said the state would save money in state and local social services, health-care and Supplemental Security Income. That includes $33.3 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Safety Net Assistance, $424,447 in Family Health Plus and $47.2 million in SSI benefits for the aged, blind and disabled.

Statistics show that married applicants for social services are significantly less likely to qualify for benefits than single people, said Sen. Jeff Klein, D-Bronx.

Barry Kramer of Eastchester, Westchester County, said he has been in a committed relationship with John Crittenden for 20 years. The two own a real estate office. “I hope that today we can make a difference towards achieving marriage equality in New York,” he said.

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