Mondello Statement

Today’s Siena Research Institute poll, which found that seventy percent of people identify gas prices as one of their top concerns and nearly three-quarters of New Yorkers support gas tax relief, underscores the magnitude of the problem and need for immediate action.Republicans from Senator McCain at the federal level to Senate Majority Leader Bruno, Assembly Republican Leader Tedisco and their Republican conferences at the state level have advanced commonsense proposals to provide relief from soaring gas prices for hard working, overburdened New York families and businesses. Additionally, the State Republican Party has created an online petition at www.nygop.org to give people an opportunity to voice their opposition to gas taxes.

These sensible Republican plans will provide immediate relief from the economic problems people are facing during the busy summer driving season while longer-term solutions are proposed, researched and enacted.

Unfortunately, Democrats like Senator Obama and others at the State level are out of touch and are simply not listening to the pressing needs of working families and businesses. I urge them to read the results of this survey and act to bring about positive change.

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