Uhm, no the sale tax isn't 8.875%. The combined sales and use tax rate equals the state rate (currently 4%) plus any local tax rate imposed by a city, county, or school district. An additional sales tax rate of 0.375% applies to taxable sales made within the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD). The combined rates vary in each county and in cities that impose sales tax.

https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/st/...

I used to live in Monroe County, and it was 4% state and 4% county split for a total of 8%.

I think you are sadly mistaken. Incase you were wondering, FDR created the largest, legal Ponzi scheme ever - Social Security. :)