In 2008, New York finished 45th in The Tax Foundation’s ranking of best tax climate for businesses. While it may seem like things couldn’t get much worse, this year the state finished 49^th. The Empire State was second only to New Jersey for the distinction of having the nation’s highest taxes.

"The governor just recently said the deficit in this year’s budget is up to 3 billion dollars,” said Deb Warner from the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. “Well, we increased taxes in April by almost 8 billion dollars. There isn't anyone who isn't affected by an increase in a tax, a fee or an assessment."

Rich Couch works with contractors to ensure road and bridge quality. He says all those taxes are causing companies to scale back on hiring.

"You're going to pay more for a driver's license, you're going to pay more to register your vehicle, you're going to pay for new license plates whether you need them or not,” said Couch.

Couch says the license plate fee is especially grating since the state just required everyone to pay for new plates a few years ago.

"It's a gimmick and people have got to wake up to these gimmicks and say enough is enough because they are nickel and diming us,” said Couch.

The Tax Foundation says New York State's next to last finish this year is due to higher income tax rates.

"Our economy is dying a death by a thousand cuts with the 80+ taxes and fees that New York State residents are facing in the toughest economic times we've seen in decades,” said Warner.

Rich Couch agreed that the state needs to change but disagreed with the death by a thousand cuts example.

"I don't think they know how to cut in Albany.”