Statement by Chairman Joseph N. Mondello, New York Republican State Committee

Republicans in New York State today took another positive step forward in our efforts to deliver real tax relief and allow more people to keep more of their hard-earned money instead of turning it back over to the government in taxes at the pump. Both the Senate and Assembly Republicans announced solid plans, and the State Party has created an online petition at www.nygop.org to give people an opportunity to voice their opposition against gas taxes.

The actions of Republicans in the State Senate and Assembly, along with Senator John McCain’s proposals at the federal level, demonstrate a responsive and accountable approach to serving the people of this state—the way government is supposed to work.

These sensible Republican plans will provide immediate relief for the problems people are facing every day, while longer-term solutions are proposed, researched and enacted.

Unfortunately, Democrats from Senator Obama down to the state level are refusing to join with Republicans to provide the help hard working overtaxed families and businesses desperately need, especially as we head into the busy summer driving season. Unfortunately, Senator Obama has flatly opposed the plan as a bad idea, even though he supported suspending the gas tax as a State Senator in Illinois.

This issue continues to underscore that the Democrats are out of touch with the everyday problems that New Yorkers and Americans face.

It’s time for the Democrats to come to the table and get things accomplished on this critical issue.

In order to make certain everyone hears the growing call of hard working New York families and businesses for gas tax relief, we are creating an online petition. I encourage everyone to make their voice heard by signing the petition at www.nygop.org.