ALBANY, NY - Today, every New York State Senate Majority member voted against a common sense proposal that would provide immediate relief on utility bills for New Yorkers, who are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing energy costs. 

At a time when New Yorkers are sinking due to burdensome regulations, Senator Rob Rolison and his colleagues in the minority conference have been proposing legislation that would act as a desperately needed liferaft to ratepayers.

The proposal, offered as an amendment on the Senate floor by Senator Rob Rolison, would have: 

> Provided a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday. Government taxes, fees and mandates account for approximately one-third of a customer’s utility bill. This bill would have delivered meaningful and immediate relief to ratepayers as they face skyrocketing energy costs. (S.8463, Senator Rolison).

“As the sponsor of Senate Bill S8463, I’m proud to offer immediate relief to families and small businesses in the Hudson Valley and across New York who are facing skyrocketing utility costs. This bill delivers a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday, easing financial burdens right now. I hear the concerns of residents struggling with affordability, and we will continue fighting for solutions that put families and local businesses first,” said Senator Rob Rolison, SD 39th.

When given the opportunity to provide desperately needed utility cost relief for New Yorkers, every single member of the Senate majority voted against the bill, while the Republican conference continues to advance common-sense proposals to make New York more affordable.