CARMEL – The Putnam County Legislature has praised State Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) for suggesting a utility tax holiday in response to rising gas and electric bills.

Rolison, whose district encompasses the towns of Philipstown and Putnam Valley as well as a large portion of Dutchess County, and eastern Orange County, proposed the amendment last month and at this week’s meeting of the Putnam Legislature’s Economic Development and Energy Committee, Legislator William Gouldman called on his colleagues to memorialize the bill.

“The failure to advance this legislation deprives residents’ critical financial relief and sends a troubling message that the financial burdens from utility taxes are being ignored,” said Gouldman.

Committee Chairwoman Laura Russo of Patterson said many residents have recently told lawmakers that rising utility costs are causing financial hardship.

Legislature Chairman Dan Birmingham called it a “responsibility of the legislature to be a voice for its constituents. We call on the state to revisit, advance, and pass legislation that provides a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday as proposed by Senator Rolison,” he said.