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Albany- With gasoline prices now approaching $4 per gallon and putting a strain on New York's hardworking families and small businesses, State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that the Senate will act on legislation he is sponsoring to provide much needed relief at the gas pump by suspending New York State's gasoline taxes during the summer travel season.

If the State enacts this tax relief plan, New Yorkers would save approximately 32 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, including 16 cents from the State's Petroleum Business Tax, 8 cents from the State sales tax, and 8 cents from the State's Motor Fuel Excise Tax.

The legislation (S7594-A) will eliminate the New York State taxes on gasoline from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

"Just as I believe that oil and energy companies should not reap unfair profits as a result of rising fuel prices, I also do not believe that the State should profit at the expense of hard working families," said Senator Nozzolio. "With the summer traveling season approaching and the cost of our every day necessities on the rise, we must provide New Yorkers relief when it can help them the most."

"It is my hope that all local residents supporting the gasoline tax cut will visit my website to sign a petition and register their support for this critical legislation that would cut New York State's gasoline taxes this summer," continued Nozzolio.

If the federal, State and local governments all temporarily suspended their taxes, New Yorkers would save 65 cents per gallon at the pump.

Presidential contenders John McCain and Hillary Clinton have already called for a suspension of the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gasoline tax during this period, which would significantly increase the potential savings.

Meanwhile, under the bill, local governments would have the option of waiving their local sales taxes of approximately 14 cents per gallon.

The bill will be structured in a way that provides a guarantee of sufficient State resources to fully fund the State's Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund.

"Suspending the State tax on gasoline will reduce costs to local small businesses, leading to lower prices on consumer goods and services, and give a boost to the State's vital tourism industry," said Senator Nozzolio.

While the plan to suspend the State's gasoline taxes provides immediate relief from high costs at the pump, the State Senate also called for a renewed emphasis on renewable energy sources that will decrease our reliance on foreign oil in the future. Specific legislation includes:

• S3497-B -- Removes the State sales tax on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.

• S4363 -- Provides an EZ Pass discount for fuel efficient vehicles.

• S6198 -- Allows a property tax exemption for farmland devoted to woody bio-mass for fuel sources production.

• Senate resolution calling on the Congress and President to take immediate action to reduce the price of fuel and to launch a major commitment to promote the use and production of alternative fuels.

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