New York State Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt (R, C-Albion) said he is in support for a statewide petition drive aimed at generating grass-roots support for providing motorists with a summertime holiday from gas taxes. Nesbitt said the petition drive is being sponsored by the Assembly Republican Conference and calls for the temporary suspension of the state's four percent sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel.

"Motorists are facing some of the highest prices at the pump in years - by temporarily suspending the state's taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, we can give drivers a break from excessive fuel costs," Nesbitt said.

The proposal calls for suspending the state's four percent tax assessed on gasoline and diesel fuel purchases made from Memorial Day weekend, May 25, to Labor Day, September 3, a move that would save motorists an estimated $132 million in fuel taxes. Localities would have the option to suspend their portion of the sales tax to provide motorists with extra savings.

"Our state currently has a $2.7 billion surplus which can be tapped to help provide this tax break to save New Yorkers and visitors to our state between 8 and 16 cents on each gallon of gas they buy this summer," Nesbitt said.

"The exorbitant taxes hidden on motor fuel prices are draining the wallets of customers while padding a state budget surplus that already exceeds $2 billion. There is no way to justify percentage-based gasoline taxes under these circumstances. On behalf of our customers, we strongly support this effort," said Jim Calvin, president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores.

Nesbitt also noted the importance of suspending the state's sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel to help stimulate regional tourism and tourism-related industries. "By taking a proactive approach and temporarily suspending the state's sales tax on gasoline, we will help safeguard New York's tourism-related industries that contribute $37.4 billion to our economy," Nesbitt said.

"I strongly encourage area motorists who want to do something about skyrocketing gas prices to lend their voices and sign their names to our petition drive and demonstrate support for a summertime holiday from gas taxes," Nesbitt concluded.

Petitions will be made available at thousands of gas stations, convenience stores and AAA locations across the state.