In a letter sent to the Governor, Senate GOP members urged Hochul to temporarily suspend state taxes on motor fuel and diesel fuel, arguing New Yorkers are struggling under the weight of soaring transportation costs.
According to the correspondence, drivers are currently paying an average of more than $4.60 per gallon for gasoline and nearly $6 per gallon for diesel.
“Families are feeling pain at the pump. It’s time to provide real relief,” Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said.
The lawmakers pointed to a similar fuel tax suspension enacted in 2022 when gas prices climbed above $5 per gallon during the Biden administration.
At the time, Hochul supported a temporary fuel tax holiday that state officials estimated reduced prices by at least 16 cents per gallon statewide.
State Senator Alexis Weik said New Yorkers are once again waiting for action from Albany.
“New Yorkers are paying on average $4.60+ a gallon for gas and nearly $6 for diesel, and Governor Hochul has yet to lift a finger to help,” Weik said.
“This is exactly why we are calling for a suspension of the state gas tax once again.”
State Senator Dean Murray said families and small businesses need immediate relief as inflation continues to impact household budgets.
“Households are struggling with the price at the pump and we should do what we can to help families and small businesses at this time,” Murray said.
Senator Peter Oberacker added that rising fuel costs are affecting commuters, farmers, and businesses statewide.
“New York temporarily suspended parts of the gas tax in 2022,” Oberacker said. “It’s time for Governor Hochul to do it again.”