(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - As Nassau families continue to grapple with soaring gas prices, the Minority Caucus is renewing their call for County Executive Blakeman and the Legislature’s Republican Majority to stop playing politics and join the fight to temporarily suspend the County’s share of the gasoline sales tax.
Since Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D - Freeport) announced the proposal on Wednesday, March 9, numerous published reports have illustrated how soaring gas prices are taking an increasing toll on local businesses and families. A Friday, March 11 report in Newsday highlighted how food banks and pantries across Long Island are “reporting major upticks in demand in recent weeks” that have only been exacerbated by a spike in fuel prices during the war in Ukraine. Additional reporting on local business owners considering increased delivery fees further shows the ripple effect that is being felt in every aspect of our local economy.
However, Nassau Republicans have thus far been unmoved and “don’t seem to be on board” with the Minority Caucus’ common-sense approach to delivering immediate relief to residents.
“Last week, we proposed a straightforward way for Nassau County to ease the squeeze that residents are currently feeling at the pump. County Executive Blakeman and the Republican Majority are offering no solutions - just the usual assortment of finger-pointing, deflection, and political propaganda,” Minority Leader Abrahams said. “While parroting oil company talking points won’t do a thing to help Nassau residents make ends meet, suspending Nassau’s share of the sales tax on gasoline will. The members of the Minority Caucus remain committed to fighting for the relief that consumers need.”