Assemblyman Marc Butler (R,C,I-Newport) today applauded Gov. George Pataki for his strong show of support for both consumers and motorists in New York. The governor over the weekend signed into law legislation Butler proposed last month capping the state gas sales tax at 8 cents per gallon.
“Everyone is feeling the pain at the pumps these days,” said Butler. “From consumers who are paying higher prices to have goods shipped to their homes due to higher fuel costs for trucking companies, to commuters spending most of their discretionary income on the daily drive to work. This is a huge first step in giving everyone the relief they deserve.”
The legislation, which takes effect June 1, will save consumers an estimated $450 million per year. A 20-gallon fill-up will save a motorist 80 cents on gas costing $3 per gallon.
“We didn’t just stop at the gas tax. I wanted to deliver savings to homeowners who take advantage of energy-saving appliances, too,” said Butler.
The new law also includes a personal income tax credit of up to $500 for installation of new Energy Star-labeled, energy-efficient, home heating systems.
“It is my hope that, through a lessened demand of petroleum based fuels via use of ethanol fuels, and a cleaner environment due to less energy usage, we can become less dependent on foreign oil and help drive down costs,” concluded Butler. “Wait and watch for new agricultural and manufacturing jobs that will be created as a direct result of this initiative.”