Legislator Schmitt Opposes Home Energy Tax

Legislator Peter J. Schmitt was outraged today as the Nassau County Legislature, over the objections of the nine Republican members, passed a law imposing a Home Energy tax on all county residents.  In a 10-9 vote, the Democrat 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 Schmitt was shocked to hear the Democrat 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’ the Democrats 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 Schmitt.

“The Democratic Legislators 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.”