Members of the Assembly Minority Conference today announced legislation that would suspend state sales tax on a wide range of goods and services in order to provide New Yorkers with financial relief amid ongoing inflation and skyrocketing prices. The “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan” would lower prices on dozens of everyday items by eliminating sales tax charges for two years.

According to data released last month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prices Americans are paying for goods and services have increased dramatically during the past year. The overall Consumer Price Index – which measures the average costs of everyday products – climbed by a staggering 5.4 percent between September 2020 and September 2021. Based on these figures, the average consumer experiences a monthly increase in expenses of $287, while a family of four sees a monthly cost increase of $388.

The “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan” being introduced by members of the Assembly Minority Conference immediately suspends state sales tax charges on various items such as gasoline, personal care products, housekeeping supplies and food purchases.

“Everywhere you look, costs are going up and people are growing tired of it. Gas prices are the highest in seven years. The rate of inflation is reaching levels we haven’t seen in decades. Food, clothing, utilities, transportation – prices are rising on almost everything. How much more are New Yorkers supposed to take,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski). “We have a responsibility to act. This bill will give all New Yorkers a measure of financial relief during an extremely difficult time. Fortunately, revenue is coming into New York at a stronger rate than predicted. Let’s pass on some needed savings to people who have fought through a pandemic and are now dealing with a crushing cost-of-living crisis that’s being felt in every community.”

A recent report by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli showed that New York tax revenue has brought in $7.2 billion more than originally projected through the end of September. However, the economic news for consumers is far less positive, as cost increases have severely damaged household budgets. Some of the specific cost increases seen in the past year that would be alleviated by the “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan” include:

• Gas prices - up 42.1 percent
• Energy prices - up 24.8 percent
• Food away from home - up 4.7 percent
• Housekeeping supplies - up 1.5 percent
• Paper products - up 5.3 percent

“It’s critical we take action to help our middle-class families feel real relief,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). “This bill is a great first step to provide help with essential expenses for New Yorkers. I’m proud to be advocating for this desperately needed relief with the Assembly Minority Conference.”