O'Mara, Senate GOP call for 2-year sales tax moratorium to help fight inflation

Elmira, N.Y., July 20—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and his colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference today announced the introduction of legislation to implement a two-year moratorium on the state sales tax on various goods, services, and transactions.

O’Mara and his colleagues called the legislation to eliminate the state sales tax on many items the first step in a comprehensive strategy the Senate GOP plans to outline over the coming weeks to combat the inflation crisis and address affordability in New York State.

O’Mara, ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, said, “New Yorkers here at home across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide, are worried about making ends meet. They keep seeing this state becoming less safe, less affordable, less free, less economically competitive, less responsible, and far less hopeful for the future. I look forward to joining many legislative colleagues to try to turn things around and begin rebuilding safer and stronger communities.” 

O’Mara said that the proposed legislation would deliver $2.6 billion in annual tax relief to New Yorkers.  It will also be advanced by the state Assembly Republican Conference. 

Specifically, the plan would eliminate the state sales tax for two years on the following items: 

• Gas
• Personal Care Items
• Housekeeping Supplies
• Prepared Food 

Families facing inflated bills for groceries and gas are foregoing summer plans and will soon be confronted with rising back-to-school costs, according to Senate Republicans.  It has been reported that record inflation has cost the average American family $6,800 in annual income over the past 18 months.