It wasn't that long ago when gasoline cost less than $1 a gallon. We've seen the cost of gas rise that much just in the last 12 months, and it is desperately hard on New York's residents. At over $3 a gallon, gas has become more of a burden than ever to afford.

Simply stated, there are New Yorkers who can no longer afford to drive!

Locally, some gas outlets have jacked their prices over $1.00 in one day. That is gouging and is an outrage and affront to the communities we represent. We urge any resident who is a victim of this practice to contact the Attorney General's office.

So many of our constituents depend on their cars to get them to and from work every day; it is how they earn their livelihoods. At some point, as prices continue to rise, simple economics will stop these people, especially the poor, from going to work because it will cost them more to get there and back than they make in a single day.

There is very little consumers can do to control the price of gas and diesel fuel. As legislators we are calling for an immediate repeal of the state gas tax.

The state's 4 percent sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel would, according to our plan, be suspended through the end of the year. The measure also would allow local governments the option of suspending their portion of the sales tax - all in an attempt to ease some of the heavy burden rising fuel costs are placing on New Yorkers and visitors.

Our plan has wide-spread support and we are urging the Governor to call a special session of the Legislature so that we can vote to take this burden off working families throughout New York State.

Our local economy and family pocketbook are at stake.

Assemblyman Tom Alfano

Assemblyman Bob Barra