Senator Helming: Time to Pump the Brakes on Gas Tax

Senator Pam Helming is leading opposition to concerning new legislation that has been introduced in the State Senate and Assembly that would raise taxes on virtually every New York State resident. The proposal includes an additional 55 cents per gallon gas tax, as well as increased taxes on heating oil and natural gas. 

Senator Helming said, “This proposal is a bad idea any day, but it’s especially shocking given the current state of our economy. In effect, this will be a regressive tax that would impact seniors and lower income New Yorkers the most. It would hurt those who can least afford it at the worst possible time. If you use gas or diesel in your vehicle, you’ll pay more under this proposal. If you heat your home with natural gas, fuel oil or propane, you’ll pay more under this proposal. If you power your manufacturing business with heating oil or propane, you’ll pay more under this proposal. This legislation is extremely misguided.”

According to Kiplinger, New Yorkers already pay the third highest gas tax in the nation. And the Tax Foundation says New York has the third worst business tax climate in America. 

Greg Biryla, New York Senior State Director, NFIB said, “COVID-19 continues to present unimaginable and unprecedented challenges for New York’s local businesses and job creators. TrackTheRecovery.org estimates that there are 40% fewer small businesses operating in New York today compared to January of 2020. Albany should be concentrating all its efforts on identifying policies and solutions to support and sustain those small businesses still hanging on rather than imposing new burdens or exploring new ways to increase costs. Significantly higher taxes on gasoline, transportation, and heating fuel is the wrong idea at the worst possible time. Small business owners across the state thank Senator Pam Helming for speaking out and standing up for Main Street.”

Grant Loomis, Vice President, Buffalo Niagara Partnership said, “The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) established a process to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New York. The Climate Action Council (CAC) should be allowed to complete its scoping plan to ensure affordable and reliable energy before legislation like this is considered by the Legislature.”

Senator Helming added, “New York is already experiencing an exodus of people, jobs and economic opportunities because of the state’s worsening tax climate. This exodus will only accelerate if this proposal becomes law. It’s time to pump the brakes on Albany’s appetite for higher taxes, and I will aggressively lead the opposition to this bill. I urge New Yorkers to join me by signing the petition on my website.”

Constituents who share these concerns can voice their opposition to the legislation by signing Senator Helming’s petition here.