Erie County, NY - Erie County Republican Legislators called for passage of a measure they introduced that will cap the Erie County sales tax on gasoline. But the majority of Democrat lawmakers rejected the measure, meaning Erie County residents will not get the tax break at the pumps Republican lawmaker had pushed for. Lawmakers previously approved a cap on Erie County’s tax on gas, which gave residents more to spend on purchases of other goods and services.
“The price at the pump has gone up considerably due to the conflict in Iran. By capping Erie County’s tax on gasoline, taxpayers would have gotten a little bit of relief, which they desperately need,” said Minority Leader and Erie County Legislator John Mills. “We will keep pushing for relief at the pumps.”
New York State authorizes counties and cities to levy a three percent sales and compensating use tax on various goods purchased within that city or county. Additionally, the state authorizes Erie County to levy an additional one and three quarters percent sales tax, totaling four and three quarters percent sales tax.
“What we’re doing is changing the sales tax charged on a gallon of gas from a variable rate to a fixed amount. This allows our constituents to at least save a bit on each gallon of gas purchased,” said Legislator Frank Todaro. “With today’s vote, now our residents won’t get that break.”
“This was successful when we did it before. Fuel costs are up. We should be doing what we can to help our neighbors and friends. Rejecting this tax break hurts the people we represent,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
“With gas prices continuing to climb, families are feeling it every time they fill up. This proposal was a simple, practical way to provide some relief at the pump without cutting services or creating new programs. We’ve done this before and it worked. I’m disappointed the Legislature majority chose not to support giving taxpayers that break,” said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
