May 21, 2008

Legislator Ciotti:  Eliminate County Gasoline Tax this Summer!

GIVE RESIDENTS A BREAK!

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

Legislator John J. Ciotti and fellow Nassau County Legislators have once again introduced legislation calling for relief from rising gasoline prices.  Legislator Ciotti 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, Tom Alfano and David McDonough’s bill to provide relief from the state gasoline tax, Legislator Ciotti’s elimination of the county gas tax will make a tremendous impact on drivers’ wallets. 

“The gas prices in Nassau County have officially reached $4 per gallon.  Many residents have approach me to discuss the severe impact that gas prices are having on their households.  Nassau County is 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.  Property and school taxes are already at an all-time high we must find some relief for our drivers,” said Legislator Ciotti.

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!  “If all levels of government could work together in a bipartisan fashion, Nassau County can take the lead on providing relief to our households,” said Legislator Ciotti. 

Legislator Ciotti and fellow legislators 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. 

The Legislation was submitted on May 12, 2008.  The legislators await the passage of the New York State bill through the state Assembly so the county’s bill can be placed on the calendar for a vote as soon as possible.