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Nassau County Small Business Owners Upset Over Licensing Fee Proposal

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano released his 2013 budget proposal on Tuesday that will hold property taxes steady and increase spending by $44 million.

WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reports

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But the budget plan also included a new two-year licensing fee for small businesses that has some entrepreneurs upset.

"Granted the county is hurting, but kind of spread it out. Don't just bang the business because...I mean, I'm down with helping, but you got to draw the line somewhere," one small business owner who asked to remain anonymous told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs.

County officials said the new fee would bring in about $1.6 million, according to Newsday. Entrepreneurs said there should be shared sacrifice during tough fiscal times.

"You got to draw the line somewhere, is everybody going to do it or is it just you're going to bang the businesses? It's going to effect, without a doubt," the entrepreneur said.

The proposed $2.79 billion budget includes spending cuts for departments that serve seniors, youth and the disabled and increases for housing and park, Newsday reported.

Mangano said the budget reflected the tough decisions necessary to ensure fiscal stability for the county.

What do you think of the budget proposal? Do you agree with the small business licensing fee? Share your thoughts below...

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