A five-cent fee for plastic or paper shopping bags has been proposed for upstate New York.  This would apply to shopping bags from supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retail outlets in the state.

A Brooklyn assemblyman said he will introduce the legislation in Albany, in an effort to get shoppers to convert from the plastic bags to reusable bags.  California and some other areas have already implemented plastic and paper bag fees.

Members of the New York City council have already approved the fee for Manhattan and the four other boroughs, but the state legislature has put a hold on when it could take effect.  The Times Union reports that Governor Andrew Cuomo said he wants to review the matter, as it might cause hardship for those barely meeting their expenses.

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