By Josh Rosenblatt, includes “Even after receiving more than $12.5B in direct federal stimulus, budget proposals show the State of New York still plans to raise taxes by at least $7B next year. … Many of these taxes are aimed at the wealthiest New Yorkers … However, State Sen. Fred Akshar (R, District 52) told 12 News Monday he expects the burden to eventually fall on middle-class families across the state. ‘I think the one that stands out the most and every single one of your viewers should understand that an eighteen percent surcharge on utility companies and insurance companies, will result in one thing: an increase in your electric bill, and an increase in your insurance bill,’ Akshar said.”