Conservatives Call on Legislators to Stand with Constituents 

Ft. Hamilton Station, NY -- Last week, the Conservative Party, concerned by the effects on New York’s economy and the hardship New York’s families are experiencing, called for the suspension of the 4% gasoline sales tax.  The response from the public has been extremely positive.  State Chairman, Michael R. Long, has sent the following letter to all of the Members of the Legislature, asking them to stand with their constituents and suspend the unexpected windfall being collected by the 4% gasoline sales tax.  The letter follows:

Dear Senator:

Last week the Conservative Party launched a petition drive to suspend the 4% sales tax on gasoline.  As you may well imagine, the response from the public has been very positive.

We are asking you to stand with us on this issue.

According to Albany’s WNYT-TV, the state, in 2004, collected $700 million in gasoline sales tax revenues.  With this year’s gasoline prices almost double what they were last year, the sales tax revenue will be proportionally higher.

New Yorkers would be far better served if the gasoline sales tax monies remain in their hands.  You can make it possible.  You have the ability to save New York residents and visitors in excess of $700 million, by simply suspending the sales tax on gasoline.

Some may believe it is a trivial amount, however, those required to pay it strongly disagree. Every driver in New York State is feeling the effect of this trivial amount of money.

Every time they can not do something with their family due to the excess gasoline taxes, each time they must forgo buying the little extras that make life better, and each time they are unable to purchase a necessity, they will remember that it is your decision to continue to collect a 4% sales tax.  Unless you take action now and give New Yorkers the gas tax relief they need and need NOW.

The money collected on gasoline sales tax should be suspended indefinitely and should be suspended immediately.

We urge you to sign the enclosed pledge to suspend the onerous 4% gasoline sales tax and put the needs of the taxpayers before the coffers of state government.

Chairman Long asked all Legislative members to let him know where they stand by returning the following to him by September 15, 2005:

       I agree that the needs of the taxpayers are more important than filling the state coffers and will support legislation to suspend the 4% gasoline sales tax. 

       I think this issue is very important to my constituents and will sponsor legislation to suspend the 4% gasoline sales tax.

       Sorry, I cannot support this initiative.

“The Conservative Party is committed to this initiative and will keep New York state residents informed of how their Senator and Assemblyman respond to this request,” stated Long.