From left to right, Assembly members Matthew Titone, Joe Borelli, Michael Cusick and William Colton call on Governor Cuomo to waive registration fees and up to $1,000 worth of state sales tax on vehicles purchased by those whose previous vehicle was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.
Assembly members Joe Borelli (R,C,I-South Shore), Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I-Brooklyn, Staten Island), Michael Cusick and Matthew Titone joined a bipartisan group of legislators at a press conference today calling on Governor Cuomo to waive registration fees and up to $1,000 worth of state sales tax on vehicles purchased by victims of Hurricane Sandy that had their vehicles destroyed. The group also is seeking retroactive rebates on sales tax already paid on such purchases.
“Sandy has caused so much devastation, both physical and psychological, for residents of Staten Island, and the rebuilding process is one that will not happen overnight,” said Assemblyman Joe Borelli (R,C,I-South Shore). “Anything we can do to help make the rebuilding process easier must be done. I urge Governor Cuomo to act swiftly and help provide some piece of mind to Staten Island families and approve these important waivers.”
"The victims of Hurricane Sandy have been left in personal and financial ruin. We must do all we can to ease the long rebuilding process," said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis. "By eliminating registration fees and up to $1,000 worth of state sales tax for vehicle purchasers whose cars were destroyed by the storm, we are extending a helping hand to those who need it most. We are creating incentives for consumers to shop in-state, helping dealerships that were also impacted by the storm and avoiding any state budget shortfalls as this revenue could not have been anticipated prior to the storm. Helping our neighbors rebuild is the right thing to do, and this measure will ease the crushing burden that so many of our families are feeling."
“We want to provide every possible bit of relief to those who have suffered through this devastation. These storms have united upstate and downstate with a common understanding of how fragile our communities are. In speaking to my colleagues, I also have urged for movement on this issue to provide the same benefit to those devastated by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,” said Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie).
Also present at the event were Assembly members William Colton, Alec Brook-Krasny, Joseph Saladino and Brian Curran.
For video of Assemblyman Borelli follow the link: http://youtu.be/CI6RrgmDVyI.