Time Left in Session Runs Short; Property and Gas Tax Among Top Priorities

By Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski)

The last day of session this year for state lawmakers is scheduled for June 23. That leaves little time to accomplish a long to-do list. Here are the legislative priorities I believe to be the most pressing. I will advocate for policies that will cut property taxes, eliminate the gas tax and work to increase energy supply to lower energy costs for homeowners and businesses.

Property taxes. I support cutting property taxes. According to a recent Comptroller’s report, local property tax levies in the state grew by 60 percent from 1995 to 2005—more than twice the rate of inflation. The overall tax burden in this state is the heaviest in the nation—56 percent higher than the national average. We need to reverse this trend. Though I support the STAR Rebate programs and will continue to until we have a more permanent solution, actions need to be taken to truly reform our tax structure.

To this end, I support the New York State Taxpayer Protection Act (A8697). Though this is not a comprehensive fix, it would provide real property tax reform and relieve school districts of some unfunded mandates this year.

Gas tax. I also support the Gas Tax Holiday. In early May, I advocated for a Gas Tax Holiday, which would alleviate some costs for motorists and encouraged business owners to display petitions so we could gain momentum to get Assembly Bill 10818 on the Assembly calendar. This bill, if enacted, would suspend the three separate state taxes on fuel—the 8-cent motor fuel tax, the 8-cent sales tax and the 16-cent Petroleum Business Tax—from Memorial Day until Labor Day, providing a savings of nearly 33-cents per gallon of gasoline and 31-cents per gallon of diesel fuel.

Though we’re well past Memorial Day, there is still time to pass this legislation. Here again, our tax is among the highest in the nation. By comparison, New Jersey and Vermont state gas taxes are closer to $.15 and $.20 a gallon respectively. More and more constituents have called my office, telling me they need relief. Many live on fixed incomes and have had to suspend any unnecessary travel until some relief is granted. Many have not been able to drive to much more than the store. Not to mention, many businesses capitalize on summer tourism. They will no doubt feel the effects of this trend. Though we can’t influence the price of a barrel of oil, we could at least stop collecting as much tax until Labor Day.

Article X. The electric system within New York is owned and operated by six major investor-owned utilities including the Power Authority of the State of New York, the Long Island Power Authority, 50 municipal and cooperative systems and a number of independent power producers. Over 90 percent of the electricity used in New York is delivered by the six privately-owned companies. I support legislation that would establish a state energy planning board to create a state energy plan. This legislation (A5542) also renews Article X, which would allow the siting of more major electric generating facilities. Unfortunately, it’s being held in the Assembly’s energy committee. If this legislation is enacted, it would create more competition in the marketplace, lower the cost of energy and keep more businesses within New York State. It would also help lower property taxes for residents. I hear from several businesses that the cost of doing business in this state is high. Taxes and energy are their two highest bills.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling (315) 598-5185.

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