Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is renewing his call for the state Legislature to suspend the state sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel as New Yorkers continue to face rising costs at the pump and mounting financial pressures on household budgets. Maher co-sponsors Assembly Bill A.7417, the Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan, which would provide temporary sales tax relief on fuel and other everyday necessities.

“New Yorkers are being squeezed from every direction, and the last thing they need is Albany adding to the cost of filling their gas tanks,” said Maher. “Whether it's driving to work, getting the kids to school or running everyday errands, gasoline is a necessity for families throughout our region. We have consistently pushed for common-sense solutions to lower costs, and suspending the state sales tax on gasoline is a practical step we can take to put money back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers.”

The legislation would suspend New York state's 4% sales tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, personal care products, housekeeping supplies, and ready-to-eat foods for two years. The measure would also authorize local governments to suspend their portions of the sales tax on these products, providing an opportunity for additional savings.

Suspending the state sales tax on gasoline could provide approximately 8 cents in savings per gallon, or $1.20 on a 15-gallon fill-up, based on the fuel price assumptions used in the analysis.

“It's not just gasoline. Families are paying more for groceries, household supplies, utilities and nearly every other basic necessity,” Maher continued. “That's why this legislation goes beyond relief at the pump. It recognizes that New Yorkers need meaningful savings on the products they purchase every day. Albany should be looking for every opportunity to ease the financial burden on residents, not finding new ways to take more of their hard-earned money.”

Maher has consistently advocated for policies aimed at making New York more affordable, including efforts to address rising utility rates, increase transparency surrounding energy costs and provide direct relief to consumers. He has also supported legislation requiring greater scrutiny of proposed utility rate increases and improved notification for customers facing significant changes in their bills.

“Government may not be able to control every factor driving up prices, but we can control the taxes we impose on families already struggling to make ends meet,” Maher concluded. “For too long, New Yorkers have been told to accept higher costs as a fact of life. I refuse to accept that. We need to prioritize affordability, provide real relief at the pump and make it easier for families to afford the necessities they rely on. I will continue fighting for those priorities in Albany.”