CARMEL – By a vote of 8-1, the Putnam Legislature has memorialized State Senator Rob Rolison’s proposed Utility Tax Holiday legislation.
Rolison, who represents constituents in Philipstown and Putnam Valley in addition to sections of Dutchess and Orange counties, has proposed a one-year suspension of utility bill and tax surcharges and a two-year suspension of green energy gas taxes, with the hopes of providing relief to residents facing high utility costs.
Putnam Legislator William Gouldman of Putnam Valley lamented “my colleagues and I receive calls daily from constituents noting that their utility bills are too high.”
Gouldman said Albany had provided tax relief in the past during 2022 with a “gas tax holiday” when the price of a gallon of unleaded fuel exceeded $5.
Gouldman added: “Most people don’t pay attention to these taxes. They just know that their bills are too high. Now, because all our bills are going through the roof, the state needs to take immediate action to help residents of Putnam County and the Hudson Valley.”
The lone no vote came from Legislator Nancy Montgomery of Philipstown who said she was in “favor of affordability, but what I really don’t like is that it gives a tax holiday to big businesses and corporations. Wouldn’t it be better to offer a bill assistance program rather than providing more tax breaks for corporations? Wouldn’t it be better to offer a proposal for ratepayer protections? Wouldn’t it be better to advocate for programs to help people pay their bills?”
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