In recent weeks, I have come together with my fellow Long Island Assembly colleagues in sponsoring legislation that will repeal the current state gasoline tax for these upcoming summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This proposal is not a permanent solution to the economic problems our state and nation are currently facing. However, this measure could serve as temporary relief to the troublesome burden increasing gasoline prices are putting on our daily lives, businesses and economy.

While the Assembly continues to work toward reaching an agreement on this proposal, I am happy to say that the New York State Senate recently passed a similar state gas tax repeal bill. With this, they have also made strides toward greater energy conservation in our state by passing a number of bills, which include tax incentives for those who distribute, store, or use alternative fuels. Here in the Assembly, I am sponsoring and fully support similar legislation to those recently enacted by the Senate. I think my Senate colleagues have taken great initiative in moving our state in the right direction in regard to finding a real solution to our energy crisis.