![]() The state’s fiscal year runs from April 1 through March 31, when the next state budget is slated to be passed. “They should have done it for the whole fiscal year,” Stec said. ![]() Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, said with energy costs expected to significantly increase this winter, it will inflict economic pain on many New Yorkers if the tax expires as scheduled. The opposition to gas tax relief has mainly come from advocates for public transportation and environmental causes, as well as those who favor more funding for the infrastructure projects the tax revenue could fund. “The budget is always filled with areas that need accountability and need to be trimmed.” “The argument that it will hurt the roads can be overcome by prudent budgeting and the elimination of wasteful spending,” Morinello said. Some of the money generated by gasoline taxes goes to fund road repairs.Īssemblyman Angelo Morinello, R-Niagara Falls, said he favors extending the tax holiday beyond the current sunset date. Last week, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in central New York rose four cents from the previous week, according to a weekly survey of gasoline prices by AAA. Nationally, the average price for the same gallon was put at $3.90. The latest American Automobile Association data shows the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in New York is $3.67, a price that reflects the tax suspension. They have eased to an extent, and have fluctuated in recent weeks. ![]() Nationally, prices at the pump climbed to a record high over the summer. “The Democrats just refuse to deal with the things that are really hurting New Yorkers,” he said, adding he hopes voters pay close attention to the legislative priorities put forward at the state Capitol, He said it was clear last spring the suspension should run longer than the one that was enacted, but Democrats in control of both houses of the Legislature favored the shorter time span. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, was initially hesitant to advocate for a curb on gasoline taxes but eventually backed the legislation for the temporary suspension, calling the relief “a critical lifeline for those who need it most.”Ī Hochul spokesman said Friday that her fiscal plans will emerge in January when she presents her proposed state budget.Īssemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie said consumers are struggling and need the relief to go beyond January. “Anything we can do to help lower gas prices or fight the effects of inflation, we should be doing.” “I certainly think we need to continue it,” Jones said. Several upstate Democrats did join the vanguard in advocating for a reduction in the state tax on gasoline, among them Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Plattsburgh, and Angelo Santabarbara, R-Schenectady. With inflation now at 8.2%, Barclay added, “the situation has only gotten worse, and it’s clear this will be a major priority heading into 2023.” When the inflation rate stood at 5.4% a year ago, Barclay recalled, Assembly GOP members called for a two-year sales tax cut on the purchases of items he called everyday necessities, including gasoline.īut he said Democrats did nothing with that proposal. “The latest inflation numbers confirm what everyone already knew: prices are still rising and the financial pain isn’t going away,” Barclay said. Some did, but others did not.Īssembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, told CNHI he favors an extension of the tax holiday, arguing New Yorkers are being pinched financially by inflationary pressures across the economy. The state suspension on gasoline taxes, in the seven months that the program will run before it sunsets, is estimated to cost the state some $600 million in revenue.īut the loss to the state has been good news for motorists operating gas-burning vehicles.Īccording to state officials, the suspension of the fuel taxes gave consumers a break of at least 16 cents per gallon.Ĭounties were allowed to provide a holiday on the county share of the sales tax. 1, several lawmakers are proposing it be extended to help New Yorkers cope with elevated prices at the pump and higher costs for necessities such as energy, food and clothing. ![]() ALBANY - With a state gasoline and diesel fuel tax “holiday” slated to expire Jan. ![]()
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