Long Island Senate GOP Delegation Announces its Opposition to the Senate Democrats Plan to Create a New Gas Tax

         Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that would create a new 55-cent per gallon tax on gasoline.  According to NYSERDA, the average cost of gasoline on Long Island this month is $2.74.  A new 55-cent per gallon tax would therefore increase the cost at the pump by nearly 20%. The so-called Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act would also levy a charge of $55 per ton of fuel emissions from all sources, including factories, schools, and the use of gasoline.  All of those costs would be borne by every New Yorker and every business in the State.   

“Long Islanders and our small business community are already paying exorbitant taxes that are making it a challenge to stay on Long Island.  This proposal will now make it more difficult to not only heat our homes and get to work and school, but to enjoy all that Long Island has to offer—from camping and putting our boats in the water, to mowing the lawn and barbecuing.  After a State Budget that just increased taxes in New York by billions of dollars, I am proud to stand with my Long Island colleagues in strong opposition to this new tax proposal,” said Senator Alexis Weik.

            “In the midst of a Pandemic that has ravaged our society in more ways than one, a 55-cent per gallon tax on gasoline would add to the immense financial burden that so many families across New York are experiencing,” said Senator Phil Boyle.  “This is the last thing Long Island needs coming out of the economic downturn from the Pandemic: another tax!”

            “As Long Islanders continue to deal with the financial damage inflicted by the ongoing crisis, New York State should be doing all it can to ease the burden they face.  Instead, this legislation will increase the cost for our residents to get to work, drive their kids to school, heat their homes, and shop for their households.  Our region must unite to say to Senate Democrats that we will no longer be their ATM and enough is enough,” stated Senator Mario Mattera.

            “New York is already home to some of the highest gas taxes in the nation with residents having little to showing from paying these higher rates,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo.  “Now, Senate Democrats want to dramatically increase these already costly taxes—placing new, and excessive burdens on families and businesses throughout Long Island at the worst possible time.

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