To the Editor: 

Hudson Valley families and small businesses are struggling with skyrocketing utility bills, and I hear their concerns every day. About one-third of what residents pay for electricity and gas isn’t for the energy itself—it comes from taxes, fees, and government charges. 

Senate Bill S8463, which I sponsored, was designed to provide immediate relief. It would have temporarily removed certain charges from utility bills for one year and paused specific green energy taxes for two years. This isn’t just a paper promise—it’s real help that would put money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers when they need it most. 

What’s perplexing is that, despite the clear need for relief, every single member of the Senate majority recently voted against this common-sense measure. I spoke on the Senate floor about the calls I receive from residents struggling to keep up with rising costs, and it’s hard to understand why practical, immediate relief for families and small businesses was turned down. 

Even though this legislation did not advance, I will continue to fight in this legislative session to get this bill passed and my commitment remains unchanged: bring practical solutions that ease financial burdens and support families and small businesses across the Hudson Valley and New York State.

- Senator Rob Rolison (39th Senate District)