Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - A group of state senators is calling on Governor Hochul to have another gas tax holiday in response to rising gas prices. One says it's the result of President Trump's war in Iran.
Jeremy Zellner joined a letter signed by multiple fellow state senators calling for a temporary gas and diesel tax holiday in response to rapidly rising fuel costs driven, he says, by global disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply is transported.
“Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump right now, working families, small businesses, farmers, and commuters. These rising fuel prices are squeezing household budgets and making it harder for people to get through their day,” said Senator Zellner. “We’ve seen before that a gas tax holiday delivers real relief, and this is a common-sense step we can take again. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and my colleagues to get New Yorkers the relief they need as quickly as possible.”
Zellner says anything to help New Yorkers deal with higher costs will help. "Depending on how long it is that we have this disastrous war going on, we may have to have it for a little while and see how effective it will be. At this point, I think we're just calling to implement it right now, and perhaps other entities like the federal government would put a break in as well," adds Zellner.
Zellner says he's been working on this in conference and kicking this around with many of our other senators. "I see that there's some support in the assembly. So, you know, as we move forward, I'm sure we'll be talking," says Zellner.
Hochul last issued a gas tax holiday in 2022, which saved consumers an average of 16 cents per gallon.
The letter is supported by Senators Joseph P. Addabbo, Jamal Bailey, April Baskin, Siela Bynoe, Leroy Comrie, Nathalia Fernandez, Pete Harckham, Shelley Mayer, Monica Martinez, Chris Ryan, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, James Skoufis, and Lea Webb.
Hochul implemented gas tax holiday in 2022
