Curran Calls to Eliminate 18-a Energy Tax

In response to the ever-escalating energy costs across the state, Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st A.D.) is calling again for the elimination of the 18-a Energy Tax, otherwise known as the “New York State Energy Tax.” According to recent reports, the Assembly Majority submitted a one-house budget Monday, March 10, that calls for the elimination of the 18-a tax.

Assemblyman Curran noted that a year ago, the Assembly Minority Conference held a press conference with their many concerns on the tax and called for its elimination.  Curran called into question the Majority’s timing of their proposal to eliminate the tax.

“Last year, our conference stood with families, seniors, members of the business and farm communities in New York when we clearly expressed our discontent with the 18-a Energy Tax,” said Curran.  “The elimination of this tax will save taxpayers $200 million a year – this is $200 million that they shouldn’t have had to pay to begin with. Because the governor wants it, the Majority decides it’s now a good idea? This was something Democrats wouldn’t even consider a year ago. While this is finally going away, let us not forget who called for this tax to be eliminated in the first place – the Assembly Minority Conference.”

Unfortunately, Curran & the Assembly Minority Conference’s previous attempt to protect taxpayers from this unnecessary tax went unnoticed.  Since the assessment’s first installment in 2009, homeowners, business owners, farmers, and manufacturers alike have been forced to pay millions through the 18-a Assessment Energy Tax.

“This tax has been a thorn in the side of families, businesses, and farmers for far too long. We are now left with just another example of the Assembly Majority lacking awareness of the financial burdens New York taxpayers face in our state,” Curran said. 

“Instead of continuing to make consumers to take the blow, it’s time to ensure that this tax finally comes to end,” Curran concluded.

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