Assemblywoman
Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly budget proposal delivers
vital tax relief to North Country families struggling to afford high electric
bills by immediately ending the 18-a energy surcharge for residential customers
(E.914).
“The rough winter this year has
placed an exclamation point next to a burdensome tax that has been hurting
North Country families years,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Eliminating this
energy tax now will result in savings, helping our families that are struggling
to keep up with rising energy costs.”
Governor Cuomo’s executive budget
proposed eliminating the surcharge for industrial users while continuing the
gradual phase-out for residential customers. The Assembly budget proposes an
immediate elimination of the charge for residential users in SFY 2014-15 and
significantly speeds up the phase out for industrial users.
“High energy costs are forcing our
families into a situation where they have to choose between heating their homes
or putting food on the table,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “North Country
families need tax relief right now, not in a few years. The faster we can lower
taxes on energy bills, the better.”
In last year’s budget, the Assembly
championed the phasing out of the 18-a utility surcharge on energy bills, which
was set to end in 2017. This year’s proposal fast-tracks this plan, saving
families $200 million annually, Assemblywoman Russell noted.
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