I make it routine to listen to the news during my drive into work each day. And it’s no surprise what I hear each time I listen, “pain at the pumps” or “skyrocketing gas prices.” New York is the highest-taxed state in the union and when it comes to gasoline taxes, we are no different.
My colleagues and I in the Assembly minority conference saw an opportunity to provide real relief to the state’s motorists and jumped at it. Earlier this month, we introduced legislation that would temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax during the summer driving months to save drivers between $.08 and $.10 per gallon of gas. On a vehicle with a 15 gallon gas tank that’s a savings of $1.50.
There are a number of reasons that are beyond the legislature’s control for the skyrocketing gas prices. Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina disrupted shipping lines and fuel refineries along the Gulf coast. Crude prices have hit a record high due to concerns about the reliability of Iranian supply lines. Price gouging, and even the sharp increase in the demand for fuel itself by large growing nations such as China or Brazil hampers the supply in the United States.
Unfortunately for drivers, the Assembly majority voted down the bill 77-63 which would have saved drivers big bucks. At a time when gasoline prices are approaching $3 per gallon and in some cases surpassing that, it is our duty as representatives of the people of New York to do everything in our power to give them the relief they deserve.
My minority colleagues and I have been fighting to get this initiative passed which has already passed the Senate. I pledge to my constituents and all New Yorkers that I will be nonstop fighting until some form of relief is present at the pumps.