Politics & Government
Nassau County To Cut Gasoline Tax
Against the proposal a month ago, County Executive Bruce Blakeman is now on board with cutting the county's gas tax.
NASSAU COUNTY, NY —Nassau County announced today that it would be cutting its gasoline tax. Along with a proposed gasoline tax holiday at the state level, it could lead to drivers seeing a big drop at prices at the pump.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced the cut at a press conference this morning, just a few hours after Democrats from the County Legislature called on him to cut the tax. Nassau Democrats proposed cutting the gas tax a month ago.
At the time, Blakeman said the rise in gas prices was due to federal and state policies, and urged the Democratic members of the Legislature to lobby to reopen the Keystone XL pipeline.
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But today, Blakeman touted the cut to the taxes.
"To help ease the burden of spiking oil prices, Nassau County is cutting its share of gasoline taxes," the county executive posted on Facebook. "Our budget wasn’t predicated on soaring prices, and government certainly shouldn’t collect a windfall on the backs of motorists."
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The county collects 4.25 percent sales tax on gasoline purchases. Nassau Democrats filed legislation this morning to cut the county's gas tax. Their bill would eliminate the tax through next March.
Combined with the state's plan to eliminate the gas tax through the end of the year, the proposition would save Nassau drivers about 25 cents per gallon.
“Try as they might, County Executive Blakeman can’t hide behind irrelevant big-oil talking points because it is clear that the Minority Caucus has taken the lead on fighting to cut gas taxes for Nassau County consumers,” said Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said. “We are delighted that the county executive and our colleagues in the majority have finally seen the light and gotten on board with our simple, straightforward plan to deliver real and immediate relief to residents when they need it the most."
According to AAA, the average gas price in Nassau County on April 11 was $4.091, which is down about 30 cents from a month ago.
If passed, the Democrat's gas tax cut law would go into effect on June 1.
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