With a state gasoline and diesel fuel tax “holiday” slated to expire Jan. 1, several lawmakers are proposing it be extended to help New Yorkers cope with elevated prices at the pump and higher costs for necessities such as energy, food and clothing.
ALBANY —
When the inflation rate stood at 5.4% a year ago, Barclay recalled, Assembly GOP members called for a two-year sales tax cut on the purchases of items he called everyday necessities, including gasoline.With inflation now at 8.2%, Barclay added, “the situation has only gotten worse, and it’s clear this will be a major priority heading into 2023.”
A Hochul spokesman said Friday that her fiscal plans will emerge in January when she presents her proposed state budget. The latest American Automobile Association data shows the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in New York is $3.66, a price that reflects the tax suspension. Nationally, the average price for the same gallon was put at $3.90.Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, R-Niagara Falls, said he favors extending the tax holiday beyond the current sunset date.