Legislator Ciotti Opposes Home Energy Tax

Nassau County Legislator John J. Ciotti voted “NO” to a new law imposing a Home Energy tax on all county residents.  In a 10-9 vote, the Majority on the Legislature approved the new tax.  The Home Energy tax will now impose a 2.5% tax on all residential heating and energy sources.  This includes: LIPA usage, natural gas, oil, steam services, propane, coal and even firewood.  This tax applies to all residents of Nassau County, including seniors.

Legislator Ciotti was dismayed to hear certain Legislators refer to the new tax as a “revenue enhancing measure” which could be allocated to re-fund the county’s youth programs recently cut or eliminated by County Executive Suozzi.  “By disguising this tax as an ‘enhancement’ they are trying to fool the taxpayers.  The County Executive has announced this tax as a way to fill his budget gap – not revive the youth services he has stricken with a death blow.  The youth programs should be restored with or without any additional taxes.  They are not discretionary,” said Legislator Ciotti.

“Those who voted “yes” to this tax are acting in an irresponsible, uncaring and unfeeling manner.  They are adding a tax on to people who cannot afford to pay it.  People are losing their jobs and their houses are not worth what they were just two years ago.  This is not the time to add any new taxes,” said Legislator Ciotti.  

Despite opposition, the measure passed with all 10 Democrats voting for it and all 9 Republicans voting against it; the tax will take effect no later than June 1, 2009.