![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/%2811-17-08%29%20Skelos-HS-018-ret.jpg?itok=bbHFSfrM)
Statement from Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos
Dean G. Skelos
February 13, 2013
I am disappointed that Governor Cuomo did not remove the 18-a energy tax when he submitted his 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget, as recommended on numerous occasions by Senate Republicans. The business community has said that this onerous tax costs New York's businesses and families $509 million annually and will hurt our efforts to create jobs and revitalize the state's economy.
The 18-a assessment was put in place over Republican objections in 2009, and legislative Democrats assured New Yorkers that it would be a temporary surcharge. By letting this job-killing tax sunset as scheduled, rather than extending it for another five years as the Governor would do, we can send a positive message to hardworking taxpayers and businesses. It's time to turn the lights out on this job-killing tax, and Senate Republicans are committed to getting it done. We encourage the Governor to remove the 18-a assessment when he submits his 30-day amendments next week.
#####
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/web286573_503038239708970_9.jpg?itok=DNNOv1_r)
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 2, 2012
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/Breast_Cancer_Rotator.jpg?itok=9tiI_o7c)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/rotatebl.jpg?itok=jc6A001H)
Remembering September 11th
September 11, 2012
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/911r2.jpg?itok=_sZ0ySJ5)