Senator Carl L. Marcellino today announced legislation that would eliminate the New York State taxes on gasoline from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. If the federal, State and local governments all temporarily suspended

TO JOIN SENATOR MARCELLINO IN SUSPENDING THE STATE GAS TAX CLICK HERE
IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF PRICE GOUGING AT THE GAS PUMP, PLEASE VISIT THE NEW YORK STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION WEB SITE TO FILE A COMPLAINT.
TO FIND THE LOWEST PRICED GASOLINE IN YOUR AREA PLEASE CLICK HERE.

"Gas prices are skyrocketing at the pump. Yet, big oil companies, awash in profits, are continuing to make money from the record gasoline prices that are pinching motorists. This is wrong and something must be done to help the average driver make ends meet," said Senator Marcellino.

"Gasoline is not a "stand alone" item. Every business and or service we depend upon for our livelihood or quality of life is affected by the cost of fuel. One of the reasons we are experiencing severe troubles in our National and State economies is because of the rising cost of fuel. The basic necessities of life, the cost of bread and milk, the budgets of school districts and municipalities are also rising due in part to fuel costs. We must take action to provide relief from these skyrocketing costs," Senator Marcellino said.

Under the bill, local governments would have the option of waiving their local sales taxes of approximately 14 cents per gallon. The bill is structured in a way that provides a guarantee of sufficient State resources to fully fund the State’s Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund.

The plan would also reduce gasoline costs to local small businesses and truckers, leading to lower prices on consumer goods and services, and provide a
boost to the State’s vital tourism industry.

While the plan to suspend the State’s gasoline taxes provides immediate relief from high costs at the pump, Senator Marcellino called for a renewed emphasis on renewable energy sources that will decrease our reliance on foreign oil in the future. He has sponsored specific legislation includes providing an EZ Pass discount for fuel efficient vehicles; legislation that encourages people to purchase hybrid automobiles; legislation that allows commuters to writeoff up to $2,000 of the cost of their LIRR and bus tickets on their State income taxes, and gives incentives for alternative energy sources.

"These actions will help now and in the future without adding to our financial pain. But the taxpayer needs relief now and the quickest way to offer some relief is by eliminating the NYS tax. Driving for most people is not a luxury, it is a necessity that is critical to their lives," said Senator Marcellino

"To add insult to injury, the earnings for the big oil companies have come in and to no one’s surprise profits have risen dramatically. The oil industry can point to many reasons as to why our prices are high but the FTC must remain vigilant in identifying and challenging collusion in petroleum and other energy markets," said Senator Marcellino.

Senator Marcellino reminded consumers to be the Gasoline Price Stability Task Force’s eyes and ears. The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is operating a toll-free telephone number (1-800-214-4372) and provides a complaint form on their web site (www.nysconsumer.gov) for consumers to report possible instances of gasoline price gouging or price fixing. Such allegations will be promptly investigated by the CPB and may be referred to the Attorney General for enforcement.