Today’s actions by the State Senate underscore the fact that fuel consumers need immediate relief. For weeks, New York motorists have been forced to pay exorbitant prices at the pump. While the State Senate has convened a special session today to address the situation, Assembly Majority members have instead chosen the path of greatest resistance by holding hearings to discuss a long-term energy strategy.

Hearings can be successful if they bring about actual change. I could not agree more that we need to develop a long-term energy strategy. However, for those traveling in New York State, whether they are tourists, residents or commercial drivers, we need to ease the burden now.

I commend the State Senate for calling a special session to take on the issue of high fuel costs. Now it is time for the Assembly to reconvene and address the issue. This would also present a good opportunity to address civil confinement and other legislation that has yet to be resolved.