5-13-08

Join with Federal and State Proposals to Cut Gas Tax
from Memorial Day to Labor Day

Republican Minority Leader Peter J. Schmitt and the members of the Republican caucus in the Nassau County Legislature have once again introduced legislation calling for relief from rising gasoline prices. Legislator Schmitt has introduced a bill seeking to eliminate the county gas tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day this summer.

In conjunction with New York State Senators Chuck Fuschillo and Kemp Hannon as well as New York State Assemblymen Rob Walker and David McDonough’s bill to provide relief from the state gasoline tax, Legislator Schmitt’s elimination of the county gas tax will make a tremendous impact on drivers’ wallets.

“Gas prices have reached $4 per gallon and people are suffering the impact of a $50-plus tank of gas. We live in a suburban area where we rely on our cars to go everywhere; to the grocery store, to the parks, to work – and even to the train station. Our residents are already overburdened with property and school taxes, which are rising faster than household incomes can withstand. As an elected representative, it is my obligation to seek out ways to provide relief,” said Legislator Schmitt.

Here’s how it works - if the base rate for a gallon of gas is $3.00, the taxes currently include: $.18 per gallon for federal tax, $.32 per gallon for New York State tax and 4.25% per dollar (or approx $.13 per gallon) for Nassau County tax. Elimination of all 3 taxes would save a driver up to $.63 per gallon of gas, and even more as the base price of gasoline continues to rise. On a 15 gallon tank, a driver can save up to $9.45 or more, every time he or she fills up. For a 2-car household, that’s over $18.90 per week or $265 for the summer! “I am relieved to see that elected officials from multiple tiers of government – federal, state and county – are listening to calls for relief. I believe that we can do this,” said Legislator Schmitt.

The Republicans sought to introduce similar legislation in both 2006 and 2007, but were blocked by the 10 member Democrat majority on the Legislature. On both previous attempts, the Presiding Officer refused to place the proposal on the legislative calendar for a vote.

Legislator Schmitt submitted the legislation on May 12, 2008 and is urging the new Presiding Officer, Diane Yatauro to place the measure on the calendar for a vote as soon as possible. “Instead of waiting for the federal and state taxes to be reduced, we need to take the lead on this matter. In this economy, every penny counts. We’re calling for relief now and it’s up to the Democrat Majority to allow us to do it,” said Legislator Schmitt.

Republican Legislators: Eliminate County Gasoline Tax this Summer!