New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF-Hicksville) was joined April 25 by fellow Long Island Assembly Republicans and members of the community at a press conference highlighting the need to pass legislation eliminating the state's three taxes on gas during summer travel and vacation months from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Walker's legislation would save motorists approximately $500 million during that time.

"The strong showing of support for this legislation from a variety of organizations and officials just goes to show how important this issue is becoming on a daily basis for commuters throughout New York State," said Walker. "Not only can this legislation offer an ease at the pump for New York motorists who will be traveling during the upcoming months or going to work on a daily basis, but there is a real opportunity for this decrease in gas prices to make New York an even more desirable vacation destination during the summer."

Walker's legislation will repeal the three taxes, which the state currently puts on gasoline sales. For each gallon of gas sold in New York, the state applies an eight-cent sales tax, an eight-cent motor fuel tax, and a sixteen-cent petroleum business tax, for a total of thirty-two cents. In addition to those thirty-two cents, there is also a four cent tax that goes to the counties to use at their discretion. This legislation will also allow counties the right to opt in and eliminate their gas tax as well.

Walker was joined at the press conference by Assembly members James Conte, Fred Thiele, David McDonough, Andrew Raia, Joseph Saladino and Tom McKevitt; Kathryn Odessa, executive director of the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association; Peter Holmstedt, member of the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association Board of Directors; Moke McGowan, president of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Jim Pavone, president of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce.

"Without some immediate relief from spiraling gasoline prices, the potential for significant losses among small tourism businesses throughout Long Island this year is very real," said McGowan. "As an industry with an economic impact of $4.3 billion for Long Island, we appreciate Assemblyman Walker's proactive efforts to provide leadership in addressing this situation at the state level. Without any relief in sight and the anxiety it creates, consumers will ultimately close out spending on all but the most basic necessities - and that includes travel."

Pavone added, "If Albany does not address the gas price situation with this legislation, Long Island and New York will continue the downward economic spiral that has been happening for years. For the Legislature to fail to act on this pressing issue shows just how out of touch Albany can be with the needs of the people who pay taxes and keep this state's economy moving. Rob Walker has heard the calls from his constituents and decided to act; I hope that his colleagues will take up this legislation and provide relief for the overburdened citizens of New York."

Walker continued, "Time is running out before gas reaches $4 per gallon and families are forced to choose between fuel and other necessities such as food and mortgage payments. I will be working with all legislators in Albany during the upcoming week to fast track this legislation and get it passed as soon as possible for the people of New York."

For more information, contact Assemblyman Walker at walkerr2@assembly.state.ny.us or 937-3571.