Gas Prices Too High
from Assemblyman Gary Finch
123rd Assembly District

 I recently read an article that stated New York has the highest average gas prices in the United States, and I'm not so sure we should be proud of that milestone. Fortunately, there is a way New York residents, especially in the Central New York and Southern Tier regions, can try to combat the skyrocketing prices.

 Gasoline is taxed at seven different intervals: four times by the federal government through a federal excise tax, a petroleum business tax, a petroleum testing fee and an oil spill fund fee; a 4% state sales tax; a 4%  tax levied by localities; and an additional excise tax.

 New York has not only met its gasoline sales tax allocation for the 2005-06 budget year, but has exceeded it!

 Since our Republican conference first called for suspension of the state sales tax in 2000, the average price for gasoline has risen by more than $1 per gallon. In the last year alone, the cost has gone up 32%. The average price for a gallon of gas in New York is now hovering around $3.00 a gallon. Economic and energy supply analysts predict that regular unleaded gas will continue to go up because of the catastrophic damage to oil drilling and refinery operations caused by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

 Earlier this month, I introduced a bill in the state Assembly that would suspend the state's portion of the sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, starting immediately and running through March 31, 2006. I acquired so many sponsors for this legislation after its introduction that I knew it was imperative to go a step further. So, I began a petition drive.

 I often find the most effective way to get something done in Albany is to begin on a local level, to organize a grass-roots campaign. There is no more effective way to do this than allow residents - those who are affected the most - to participate. You will find, if you haven't already, petitions at most gas stations throughout your community, and I invite you to sign one as your expression that something must be done.

 It is my hope this petition drive will force Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's hand into taking action on my legislation. Last week, the state Senate returned to Albany to address issues, including the excessive gas prices, but Silver refused to call the Assembly into special session.

 If you would like a copy of the petition to sign or, even better, to pass around your community, call my district office at (315) 255-3045, e-mail me at finchg@assembly.state.ny.us, or stop by the 69 South St., Auburn office. 

 For five long years we have been urging members of the Assembly Democratic majority to hear our pleas on behalf of our constituents - to no avail - and now it is more imperative than ever. Rest assured I will continue fighting for repeal of the gas tax. By working together, I know we can resolve this problem.