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Hawley calls for inflation relief plan to pass

By Press Release

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his colleagues from the Assembly Minority at a press conference today calling for the passage of the Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan (A.8481) in response to rapid and ongoing inflation faced by New Yorkers throughout the last year. The proposal would suspend state sales tax on several everyday goods such as gasoline, cleaning products. and prepared foods for two years. Gas prices have risen over a dollar within the last year alone, while household and everyday items have risen steadily in price over the last several months. 

“Inflation is an economic force that impacts the working class more than anyone else, erasing the impact of wage increases as people find their paychecks buying less and less every week,” said Hawley. “For those who rely on fuel to heat their homes, these price increases mean less money put aside for college and emergency funds, fewer family nights out, and for some, choosing between heating their homes or filling up their vehicles. Passing this legislation would have a direct and immediate impact on the economic well-being of New Yorkers and restore the power of their hard-earned paychecks.”

Dave Olsen

Instead of two years, it should be permanent. NYS needs to learn to operate with less tax money seized from the residents. The Gov. is promising to spend even more than her predecessors. I would not have thought that possible. It's well known that the population of NYS, outside of NYC has been dropping heavily for years. You can't keep squeezing those of us left forever. Time to right-size the state spending. Past time actually.

Jan 24, 2022, 5:49pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'd love to see spending cut.

What do you propose cutting? And how do you get it done in the age of special interests?

Our biggest expense is education but there is no political will, not even among conservatives, for taking on big money in education. Do you think Steve Hawley, even in his district, which is about as red as they come, would dare put out a statement saying, "education spending should be cut by 25 percent"?

Everywhere you look, somebody is protecting their piece of the pie.

Jan 24, 2022, 7:10pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

I don't disagree Howard, but I also can't go along with "Throw our hands up and say Oh Well, what ya gonna do?"
Why do i need to come up with a plan, I thought that's what elected politicians are supposed to be doing. They spend huge amounts of money and bombard us on TV during their campaigns about all the things they're going to do. And then....................??
I am glad, however, that Steve Hawley has come up with something, if two years is what we can get, I'll take it. I'd rather it be permanent.

Jan 25, 2022, 9:03am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm all for throwing up your hands at a state and national level.

Unless and until people rise up against the two-party system there is no hope of ending special interest politics, hence no hope of reducing the size of government and lowering the tax and regulatory burden.

So, tend your garden. Take care of your family. Take care of your neighbors. Volunteer. Serve on local boards and councils. Support local businesses. Care about your community. Pursue happiness at home.

Jan 25, 2022, 11:52am Permalink

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