May 21, 2008

Legislator Nicolello:  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 Richard J. Nicolello and fellow Nassau County Legislators have once again introduced legislation calling for relief from rising gasoline prices.  Legislator Nicolello 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 Nicolello’s elimination of the county gas tax will make a tremendous impact on drivers’ wallets. 

“Unfortunately, the price for a gallon of gas has now surpassed $4.  The increased oil prices is impacting residents in two ways - at the pump and through other purchases as businesses pass on the higher costs to the consumers.  These increases are creating hardships for our residents, especially seniors on a fixed income and young families. 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. The elimination of the gas tax will provide some much-needed relief during the heavy driving season,” said Legislator Nicolello.

Legislator Nicolello and fellow legislators sought to introduce similar legislation in both 2006 and 2007, but were blocked by the 10 member 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.