The summer months are almost upon us and, unfortunately, so are skyrocketing fuel prices. Summertime is supposed to be about fun in the sun and spending quality time with our family and friends, but that becomes more difficult when the gasoline needed to travel is at a price that many New Yorkers are finding hard to afford. Many parts of New York also rely on tourism as a major revenue source and these areas are also feeling the squeeze from rising fuel prices. Gasoline in New York nearing $4.00 a gallon is unconscionable and I believe that it is time for something to be done. Many New Yorkers are feeling their wallets being squeezed by not only gasoline prices, but also higher grocery bills and increasing property taxes, and it is the responsibility of your representatives in government to do something to bring you relief.
In order to relieve some of the pain at the pump, I am joining my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference in supporting a freeze on the three state gas taxes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. These taxes include the 8 cents motor fuel tax, the 8 cents sales tax and the 16 cents Petroleum Business Tax. This tax freeze would result in an immediate 30 cents savings per gallon on gasoline and a 35 cents savings per gallon on diesel fuel. If this legislation is passed along with a plan from the federal government to relieve federal gas taxes, we would see an almost 50 cents savings per gallon. United States Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) is calling for a summertime fuel tax reprieve by suspending federal gas taxes. This amendment would temporarily freeze the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
I am supporting this gas tax freeze because I believe that it will benefit every New Yorker. If gas prices continue to rise, the only people who will be able to afford it are the wealthy, and that is unacceptable. A break from gas taxes will allow your money to be spent elsewhere, which we all can agree is in dire need of a boost. I am calling on all members of the New York State Legislature, as well as the governor, to support this measure for the good of all of New York.