ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Many New Yorkers are asking what can be done to help with the rising prices at the pumps.
Some Republican candidates think they have the answer: Temporarily eliminate taxes on gas.
What You Need To Know
Republican candidates for political office are calling for the temporary suspension of the state and federal gas tax
Specifically, the candidates are calling on the federal government to pass the American Families Gas Tax Relief Act, which would remove the federal gas tax for 120 days
They are calling on New York state to suspend the gas tax for 90 days
“Gas prices is crazy out here, man,” gas consumer Shaun Wright said. “I don’t know what’s going on, man. They’re giving us a hard time with these gas prices. New Yorkers don’t like that.”
Folks are feeling it at the pumps; a rise in gas prices is hitting hard. It’s the reason some Republican candidates for political offices are calling for what they believe is a temporary solution.
“We are calling on our state and federal elected officials to remove, at least temporarily, the gas taxes on gas,” said Monroe County Republican Chair Peter Elder.
“I am calling on both President Donald Trump and Gov. Kathy Hochul to set their differences aside and work together immediately to suspend both federal and New York State gas taxes,” said Republican candidate for the 25th Congressional District Virginia McIntyre.
Specifically, the candidates are calling on the federal government to pass the American Families Gas Tax Relief Act, which would remove the federal gas tax for 120 days.
And they are calling on New York state to suspend the gas tax for 90 days.
Those taxes help fund infrastructure projects and maintenance across the state.
“We are demanding action by suspending the gas tax for 90 days,” said Republican candidate for the 138th Assembly District Tracy DiFlorio.
“Once and for all, Gov. Hochul, step up to the pump and give the people of your state a break,” said Dave Ferris, Republican candidate for the 137th state Assembly District.
The governor’s office responded to a request for comment by reiterating what Hochul has already said publicly.
“We’ve done it before and what happens is, the companies increase their cost by the same amount, so the consumer only sees it continue to go up,” Hochul said. “That’s the reality of what happened last time we did this. But also, this is a problem created by the federal government.”
Those calling for the tax suspension say there is at least one safeguard that can help.
“We’ve got to be responsible about it, though, because we don’t want businesses to take advantage of that situation. So, we want to put a cap on prices that is reasonable,” said Chris Brown, Republican candidate for 55th state Assembly District.
The democrats are responding, pointing the finger at the Trump administration.
“The reality is they could do their actual jobs and they could be fighting to say, let’s stop this illegal war of President Trump, which is a direct causation of the gas prices going up,” said Monroe County Democratic Committee Chair Stephen DeVay.
But those who pull up to the pump say it’s time for change.
“That’s a good idea. Honestly, I feel like we shouldn’t have no taxes on gas prices, honestly, it should be free,” Wright said.