Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) announced that his proposal to create a gas tax holiday has been included in the final state budget, approved last week. The holiday, running from June 1 to December 31 this year, will provide urgent relief at the pump for struggling families by suspending all state motor fuel taxes and fuel sales taxes, a savings of 16 cents per gallon.
Though rising prices caused by global market volatility are beyond the State’s control, creation of a gas tax holiday is one of several incremental steps that can and should be taken now to keep more money in New Yorkers’ pockets. A gas tax holiday will also help drive down the cost of essential goods; savings on trucking and shipping costs will translate to savings in the grocery aisle for New York’s families.
“At a time when many families are still feeling economic instability relating to the pandemic, lawmakers ought to do everything they can to lighten the financial burden for families and folks on fixed incomes,” said Senator Skoufis. “I encourage county and municipal leaders across the state to consider suspending the taxes they levy on fuel as well, which would have a substantial impact on limited family budgets.”
Skoufis was first to sponsor a gas tax holiday bill in the Senate, S.8526, and has advocated for his proposal since day one of budget negotiations to ensure New Yorkers would see this relief at the pump as soon as possible. In his capacity as chair of the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee, Skoufis is also leading a probe of utilities, power providers, and other stakeholders surrounding skyrocketing utility bills and anti-ratepayer billing practices.
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Emma Fuentes
Director of Communications
New York State Senator James Skoufis
o. (845) 567-1270 x1688
c. (518) 573-1409
nysenate.gov